Lodhi: UN recognises nation’s positive role

Democratic institutions and traditions are becoming stronger in Pakistan — envoy to UN

Pakistan enjoys enormous respect at the United Nations by its constructive role at the world body, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi has said.

“Pakistan’s standing at the UN, over the years, is reflected in the multiple times it has been elected to key UN bodies,” she told a delegation of the US War College at the Pakistan Mission to the UN, according a Mission press release.

Pakistan has been elected seven times to the Security Council and four times to the Human Rights Council, she said. Pakistan’s engagement at the UN extends to all three pillars of the UN system, Peace and Security, Development and Human Rights, she added.

Among the world’s top troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping, Pakistan’s role at the UN has been prominent not only in the area of hard power, but has also contributed significantly in the area of soft power. Ambassador Lodhi also briefed the delegation in detail on the gains Pakistan has made in the political, security and economic areas. On the political front, she said, democracy has been strengthened and consolidated with the country experiencing the longest period of uninterrupted democracy in its 70 year history. “Pakistan will see for the second time in its history the transfer of power from one elected government to another, after elections that are due in a few months time,” she said.

She told the participants that there is now a firm national consensus for democracy in the country and that the military is part of this consensus.

Democratic institutions and traditions are becoming stronger in Pakistan, Ambassador Lodhi said, pointing to an independent judiciary, a vibrant media and an expanding and diverse civil society.

Fight against terrorism

On the security front, she said that Pakistan has turned the tide against terrorism in Pakistan.

“We have sought to eliminate all terrorist groups through a comprehensive strategy, involving forceful law enforcement actions and targeted military operations as well as actions to counter violent extremism and its toxic narrative,” she added.