Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan on Wednesday brushed aside the impression that Pakistan was in isolation in the United Nations following the failure in re-electing itself as a member of the Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The federal minister was responding to the statements of the members of the Senate on the recent elections for the Human Rights Council (UNHRC), wherein Pakistan could not secure re-election as a member.
Speaking during the discussion at the Senate on an Adjournment Motion, Khurram assured members that Pakistan maintains a robust and active profile at the international fora, which is reflected through Pakistan’s membership of a number of UN bodies, secured through election or endorsement.
The motion was moved by Senator Saleem Mandviwala regarding Pakistan’s failure to be re-elected as a member in the UNHRC.
The minister agreed with the urgency and importance of the matter and informed the House that Pakistan had conducted a spirited, sustained and concerted campaign for the candidature.
He said that the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz sent letters to foreign ministers of all countries as part of a systematic outreach for Pakistan’s candidature, while resident foreign missions in the capital were also periodically approached.
Pakistan was assured at least 120 votes for its candidature which was sufficient for Pakistan to be elected as member of the Council. However, all these votes were not polled, leaving Pakistan with 105 votes in the 193-member General Assembly.
The minister also informed the House that Pakistan was currently an elected member of around 20 important UN bodies.
“This indeed, is a manifestation of Pakistan’s effective multilateral diplomacy and successful foreign policy.”
The minister emphasised that while the Human Rights Council was also important, it was clear that Pakistan’s presence at the United Nations was emphatic and vigorous.
“Pakistan has a strong voice at the United Nations and will continue to use its influence and role to advance its core interests including Kashmir,” he said.
