ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (daily paklish): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and a strong, effective and inclusive multilateral international system with the United Nations at its core.
In their separate messages on International Day of Peace observed on Monday, they said Pakistan supports peaceful settlement of disputes and a comprehensive approach to conflict prevention and resolution based on dialogue, diplomacy and collective action.
President Asif Ali Zardari said that the International Day of Peace reminds us that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, justice and full respect for international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. This year’s theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”, reminds us that peace requires sustained efforts at every level.
He said that Pakistan remains firmly committed to international peace and security and to a strong, effective and inclusive multilateral system with the UN at its core. We support the peaceful settlement of disputes and a comprehensive approach to conflict prevention and resolution based on dialogue, diplomacy and collective action.
President Zardari said that for decades, Pakistani peacekeepers have served in UN missions across the globe, helping protect civilians, support communities affected by conflict and create conditions in which peace can take root. Their service, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances, reflects Pakistan’s enduring commitment to international peace. We honour those who have given their lives in this cause and remain committed to supporting UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.
He said that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Iran and the United States have been acknowledged internationally. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding opened a path towards de-escalation and a negotiated settlement. The subsequent high-level talks at Bürgenstock, Switzerland, carried that effort forward by focusing on its implementation. Pakistan remains engaged in efforts to sustain dialogue and achieve a durable peace for the people of the region and the wider world.
President Zardari said that the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2788, sponsored by Pakistan during its Presidency of the Council last year, was a significant reaffirmation of the Security Council’s commitment to strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
President Zardari said that Pakistan believes that there can be no durable peace where the right of peoples to self-determination is denied and Security Council resolutions remain unimplemented, including in situations of foreign occupation such as Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
President Zardari said “On this Day of Peace, Pakistan calls upon the international community to shoulder its responsibility by upholding the UN Charter, respecting international law and promoting just and durable resolutions of disputes through peaceful means. We call for continued support for de-escalation in the West Asia and beyond. Pakistan stands ready as a trusted partner in this collective endeavour for a more peaceful and prosperous world”.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan takes pride in its constructive role in advancing regional and international peace.
He called upon all citizens to play their part in combating negative forces such as hatred, intolerance, and discrimination, and promote empathy, dialogue, and respect for others.