06/18/2026
Today the world is facing a humanitarian emergency of extraordinary scale and complexity. From conflicts and foreign occupations to climate disasters, poverty, food insecurity, displacement and natural disasters, millions of people are being pushed to the edge of survival. At such a moment, humanitarian response importantly serves to reaffirm that humanity still has the capacity to act together.
The central test is straightforward: whether assistance reaches all people in need, without discrimination, politicization, delay or denial.
Remarks by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, during the ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment
June 17, 2026
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https://youtu.be/rCCWdJJC-ms?si=asYSqLMGmx8EeCPQ
06/18/2026
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan, met Mr. Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen to discuss the latest situation.
On this occasion, the PR reaffirmed Pakistanâs steadfast support for a Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned and UN-facilitated political process aimed at achieving a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Yemen. He appreciated the Special Envoyâs continued efforts to advance dialogue and de-escalation.
The Special Envoy expressed appreciation for Pakistanâs constructive role and consistent support in the Security Council for the UN-led peace process in Yemen. June 17, 2026
06/17/2026
Women are a major constituency for peace that is why peace built without women is peace built on fragile ground. It may end the sound of guns, but it cannot properly heal the wounds of societies, restore trust in people and institutions, or better prevent the return of conflict.
Sustainable peace also requires the wisdom, leadership and lived experience of women â not at the margins, but at the table where decisions are made. This is not only a question of fairness. It is a question of effectiveness. Peace agreements that include women are often more responsive to the needs of communities and more durable over time.
Remarks by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, during the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security âPeace Is Decided with Women: Emerging from Conflict through Womenâs Participationâ June 17, 2026
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https://youtu.be/CKq9Y_2CLjo?si=Cq-tBIdolalBx9Nq
06/17/2026
Across humanitarian situations, children continue to bear the heaviest burden of crises they neither caused nor can escape. In conflicts and situations of foreign occupation, they face killing, maiming, displacement, family separation and denial of basic services.
The plight of Palestinian children in Gaza remains among the gravest illustrations of this tragedy. In climate-induced disasters, health emergencies and food crises, they face hunger, disease, interrupted education, unsafe water and heightened protection risks. Their protection and well-being must never be conditional, selective or delayed.
Statement by Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, at the Annual Session of the UNICEF Executive Board â 2026 on Item 4 â âAnnual report on UNICEF humanitarian actionâ June 17, 2026
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https://youtu.be/rztWWc4k_I4?si=mX3qEtmX9AiKUOyk
06/17/2026
Former Pakistan Cricket Captain Shahid Afridi Visits UN Headquarters, Meets Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
Former Pakistan cricket team captain and celebrated all-rounder Shahid Afridi visited the United Nations Headquarters in New York at the invitation of Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations.
During his visit, Shahid Afridi was given a tour of the United Nations Headquarters and also briefed on the work of the Organization and its role in promoting international peace, security, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.
In a meeting held at the UN headquarters, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad welcomed Shahid Afridi and commended him for his outstanding contributions to Pakistan cricket and for bringing joy to millions of cricket fans around the world through his dynamic performances and powerful stroke play.
He also appreciated Afridiâs humanitarian and welfare initiatives, which, he said, have positively impacted the lives of many people, particularly in underserved communities.
During the interaction, Ambassador Asim underscored the importance of sports as a powerful instrument of diplomacy that transcends borders, fosters mutual understanding, and brings nations and peoples together. He noted that sports can serve as an effective platform for promoting peace, goodwill and international cooperation.
The Ambassador also briefed Shahid Afridi on the work of the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, including Pakistanâs active engagement at the UN in advancing multilateralism, promoting dialogue and diplomacy, and contributing to international peace and security.
Shahid Afridi thanked Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and the Pakistan Mission for the invitation and warm hospitality extended to him during his visit to the United Nations Headquarters.
He expressed appreciation for the Missionâs important work and its constructive role in fostering understanding, dialogue and multilateral cooperation among nations, and advocating the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The visit reflected the shared recognition of the positive role that sports and diplomacy can play in building bridges between peoples and promoting a more peaceful and cooperative international environment.
Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN and the officers of the Pakistan Mission, were also present on the occasion.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad also hosted a dinner in honor of Shahid Afridi. June 17 2026
06/16/2026
Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN
During the 6thIGN Meeting to discuss the Co-Chairs Revised Elements Paper
(15 June 2025)
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Co-Chairs,
My delegation commends your constructive approach and the skillful manner in which you have guided the work of the IGN during this session.
Co-Chairs,
I align myself with the statement delivered by Italy on behalf of the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) Group, and offer the following observations in my national capacity.
One, we agree that the Revised Elements Paper reflects the Co-Chairsâ understanding of convergences and divergences among Member States without prejudicing the official positions of various groups and states. The paper may serve as a good basis to advance the work of the IGN at the next session.
Two, while the Pact for the Future is an important document, the mandate for the IGN has been conferred by the General Assembly with two documents constituting the bedrock of our process: General Assembly Resolution 53/30 and Decision 62/557. The Elements Paper should prominently reflect the continued primacy of these documents.
Three, progress towards a consolidated model must emerge from convergence across all five clusters as they are intrinsically interlinked. A selective reference to one or two clusters must be avoided. There is currently no common understanding regarding the elements of a consolidated model and the general call during this session was to work towards that end. Convergence must lead to consolidation. It cannot be the other way around. Importantly, there is no linkage between a consolidated model and text-based negotiations. These points need to be appropriately reflected in the introductory section and in the section of general divergences.
Four, we appreciate the efforts of the Co-Chairs in putting together a âbridging proposalâ of âfixed regional seatsâ. It would have been beneficial to have the elements of this proposal in writing, in detail, before the IGN session that was devoted to discuss it.
Moreover, as per our understanding, such fixed regional seats were never proposed as âpermanent categoryâ. Furthermore, the expansion of veto is neither desirable nor feasible, in our view. Whether the occupants of these seats represent regions or serve in national capacity is an important question, that requires clarity. We request that necessary amendments may be made in the paper.
Five, in para-2 of the section on general divergences, concerns regarding the veto, extend beyond the principle of effectiveness that is mentioned there. The veto also raises issues relating to sovereign equality, transparency and accountability. These principles should also be reflected in the text.
Six, regarding categories of membership, we suggest revising the formulation that a âsignificant numberâ of delegations support expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories. Many Member States have yet to express positions, while some belong to more than one group, making such characterization imprecise. Moreover, different variations or characteristics of permanent seats are being advanced, that do not reflect a common position or the same understanding.
Seven, we need to accurately reflect the differences in approach about the permanent seats, between countries which seek such seats for themselves, and the African proposal, which is a demand on behalf of the entire continent endorsed by the African Union. Distinctions between these two positions must be prominently reflected.
Eight, in paragraph 3 on general convergence, we suggest replacing âkey parametersâ with âguiding principles,â consistent with the terminology of Action 39. Similarly, the reference to a âreview clauseâ should be moved to divergences, as no consensus exists on its inclusion.
Finally, we welcome the Paperâs comprehensive treatment of regional representation. A central objective of reform must be to redress existing imbalances by enhancing representation for Africa, Asia, Latin America, small states, SIDS, the Arab Group, and OIC members.
Co-Chairs,
We trust that our suggestions will be duly considered in finalizing the Revised Elements Paper. Pakistan seeks âReform for All, Privilege for Noneâ - a principle that must anchor our collective efforts towards ensuring that reform is rooted in genuine consensus and corresponds to the interests of all.
I thank you.
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https://youtu.be/2pMgKMWAVaw?si=xFDRNamjTDWg8sdq
06/16/2026
Pakistan has consistently underlined that one of the most serious challenges in Afghanistan is the alarming rise in the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan that is directly affecting its immediate neighbours, particularly Pakistan.
This resolution expresses Council's serious concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security. It is a matter of great concern that elements within the Taliban are actively collaborating with several terrorist groups and providing them with safe havens. The TTP, BLA and Majid Brigade, ISIL-K, Al-Qaida and ETIM operate with impunity inside Afghanistan. Many of these terrorist groups are responsible for cross-border terrorist attacks targeting Pakistani civilians and law enforcement personnel, as well as critical infrastructure and public places.
Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, at the UN Security Council on the Adoption of Resolution for the mandate renewal of UNAMA. June 15 2026
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https://youtu.be/X-7Or5IWEbM?si=RquZExzbF3nrpjwH
06/12/2026
The work of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, though concluded, cannot efface the horrid and painful memories of grave crimes committed against our fellow human beings. Yet, it also inspires us to exert ourselves to never allow the repetition of such grave offences â anywhere, under any pretext.
The best utility of Mechanismâs legacy will be to apply it to future accountability efforts, particularly in the situations of prolonged illegal occupation, where fundamental rights, freedom and dignity of innocent humans is being trampled by oppressive and tyrannical measures, and where Security Council resolutions are being brazenly ignored and flouted.
Statement by Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan, at the UN Security Council Debate on International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. June 12 2026
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https://youtu.be/b22prFQe77o?si=4-bn3LfLBaAAHNRk
06/12/2026
Hate speech, and incitement to genocide and atrocity crimes are driven by complex factors. An effective and holistic response to these crimes in terms of prevention and awareness-raising â entails national and international responsibility as well as the role of local leaders.
Muscat Plan of Action is an innovative pathway as it galvanizes the cultural legitimacy and credibility of the traditional and indigenous leaders in countering hate speech.
In the backdrop of steep rise in exclusion, intolerance and discrimination in todayâs world, Pakistan supports initiatives such as Muscat Plan of Action; we appreciate the urgency and attention accorded by the United Nations to stem the tide of these disruptive tendencies.
Remarks by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan, at the Launching Event of the Muscat Plan of Action for Traditional and Indigenous Leaders and Peoples in Countering and Addressing Hate Speech and Preventing Genocide and Atrocity Crimes and their Incitement through Peace Mediation. June 11, 2026
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https://youtu.be/GYKPpUexDhk?si=eij_QCoz3MVGzfhy