75th Anniversary of United Nations. October 24, 2020 (2020-9)

 

The United Nations was two years old when Pakistan was born. In 1945, Fifty one nations of the world, expressed determination to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war; reaffirmed faith in fundamental human rights, dignity and worth of the human person, equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small; and determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. With this preamble the United Nations Charter came into force on 24 October 1945.

Two years later, Pakistan came into being, as a democratic expression of the Muslims of South Asia, to uphold justice, promote tolerance and preserve religious and cultural identities.

The Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, outlining the ideals of Pakistan's foreign policy, based it on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations: peace and prosperity among nations of the world; honesty and fair play in international dealings; no aggressive designs against any country or nation and material and moral support to the oppressed and suppressed peoples of the world. Guided by the vision of its founding fathers, Pakistan has engaged with the United Nations to build partnerships and alliances for the collective good. We have participated actively in discussions on a host of issues including international peace and security. human rights, disarmament, development, environment, climate change,

and international law.

As the United Nations turns 75 today, Pakistan joins the international community in rejoicing its achievements and reflecting on the setbacks. Indeed, the achievements and setbacks of the United Nations are a manifestation of the success and failures of its Member States.

Pakistan was at the forefront of the United Nations' drive for decolonization that resulted in establishment of dozens of states in Asia, Africa and Latin America, based on the inalienable right to self-determination. Pakistani national delegations steered the intergovernmental endorsements of the decolonization process at relevant forums of the United Nations.

Our efforts contributed in ending the dark chapter of foreign domination and subjugation in many parts of world and helped translate the universality of the right of people to self-determination into reality.

Pakistan remains a leading Member State in United Nations' efforts to maintain international peace and security. Pakistan has been a leading troop contributor to the UN Peacekeeping Missions around the world. We have proudly contributed over 200,000 troops that have served with honor and professionalism in 46 missions over six decades. Moreover, 157 brave Pakistani peacekeepers have offered supreme sacrifice for world peace.

Pakistan has served seven terms as members of the Security Council, piloting important Resolutions and Presidential Statements. Pakistan is also a leading voice for reform of the Security Council to make it more democratic, inclusive and accountable.

Pakistan's contributions to the United Nations are as old as the country itself. The authors of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly in 1948, included a Pakistani woman delegate of distinction. Since then, Pakistan has helped evolve the United Nations' discourse on human rights as a member of the Human Rights Commission and later as a founding member of the Human Rights Council, where it has served four terms since its inception in 2006.

As host to the largest protracted refugee population, Pakistan has contributed immensely to the United Nations' humanitarian efforts. Pakistan is internationally recognized for hosting millions of refugees and migrants for decades and in offering opportunities for their health, education and employment. Prime Minister of Pakistan co-convened a Global Refugee Forum in 2019. Pakistan has also donated generously to the World Food Program and a number of United Nations-led humanitarian relief efforts across the globe.

In the seventy-fifth anniversary year of the UN, Pakistan is proud to be elected as President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Strengthening the development pillar of the United Nations has been a constant endeavor for Pakistan. As a founding member and Chair of the Group of 77, we have strived to amplify the voice of the developing countries in the United Nations decision-making in trade, development and finance. Pakistan's leadership of ECOSOC will be focused on ameliorating the suffering of the developing countries fighting COVID-19, and assisting in financing for Sustainable Development Goals and addressing climate

change. We will also focus on sustainable infractucture development, application of advanced science and technology for sustained, efficient and sustainable growth, debt relief for developing countries and fighting illicit financial flows.

Whilst the promise of the UN-administered plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir remains unfulfilled, the United Nations and its various bodies remain seized of the grave situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Pakistan continues to facilitate the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), a reminder of the international nature of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Three important meetings of the Security Council, two reports by the UN High Commission for Human Rights and numerous statements and press releases by UN Experts and Mechanisms have highlighted the multiple dimensions of egregious human rights violations and precarious security situation in IIOJK, warranting urgent implementation of Security Council Resolutions. The 75th anniversary is a solemn reminder to the United Nations and international community to fulfill its promise to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to grant them their fundamental right of self-determination.

To Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations' Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on October 24, 2020.