Statement by Ambassador Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations at the UN Security Council Debate on UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) (22 June 2015)

Madam President,

We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Afghanistan, Nicholas Haysom for his perceptive briefing. We appreciate the quarterly report of the Secretary General on UNAMA.

Madam President,

Afghanistan stands on the cusp of challenge and opportunity. Afghanistan's path into the decade of transformation is challenging on every front – dealing with insecurity, economic fragility and the illicit economy, to name but a few. We are encouraged to see that the process of Government formation has been completed and also welcome the nomination of the first woman to the country’s Supreme Court.

All this marks an auspicious beginning. But much more needs to be done. And as Afghanistan negotiates its many challenges, the international community must continue to stand by Afghanistan.

UNAMA has a critical role in this regard. Its work, in line with the priorities set by the Afghan Government, is greatly valued. All of us have a crucial stake in the stability of Afghanistan and all of us will have to contribute towards this end.

Madam President,

As the Report of the Secretary General notes, during the last quarter, we traversed further on the positive trajectory of enhanced engagement between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Kabul for the second time last month, his first since advent of the Government of National Unity. The two leaders agreed that our bilateral relationship would continue to be guided by three principles:

    • Adherence to the policy of non-interference;
    • Not allow their respective territories to be used against the other; and
    • Afghanistan's enemies will be treated as Pakistan's enemies and vice versa.

The two leaders discussed ways to expand trade, increase investment, build road and rail links and enhance energy collaboration. This, we hope, will usher in a new era of peace and development in our region – a win-win for everyone.

Pakistan has the highest stake in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Terrorism remains a challenge for both our two countries and the entire region. We have roundly condemned the recent rise in violence in Afghanistan and the civilian casualties that have been its grim consequence. We condemn the atrocious attack this morning on the Afghan Parliament. Nothing justifies the killing of innocent people or, as we saw last week, the destruction of hospitals. We are committed to fighting this scourge together and are increasing our military and intelligence cooperation with Kabul.

On our part, operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists and armed militants in north Waziristan has just completed a successful first year. We are committed to eliminate all terrorists without distinction.

And let me be clear: we will be relentless in rooting out terrorism, whosoever its sponsors, external or internal. Any effort to destabilize parts of our country or to attack its territorial integrity will be responded to forcefully.

Madam President,

Pakistan can and will play a constructive role in promoting peace and security in Afghanistan. This can best be achieved through a process of national reconciliation undertaken and led by Afghans themselves. We welcome the first, tentative steps taken in recent months to advance the reconciliation process. We hope these steps will lead soon to direct talks as well as de-escalation of violence. Pakistan will do everything possible to encourage this process. Success will require reciprocal accommodation and above all, strategic patience.

Sustainable peace in Afghanistan will lead to regional stability - the corner stone of the Heart of Asia process. As Co-Chair of this process, Pakistan hosted its senior officials' meeting in Islamabad in May. This provided an opportunity for in-depth discussion on the security situation, regional cooperation to address security challenges, the peace and reconciliation process and regional priorities for economic connectivity, including projects such as the Central Asia-South Asia 1000 electricity transmission project, the TAPI Gas Pipeline and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The next Senior Officials meeting is planned for September, and the Ministerial Conference in December. We look forward to a fruitful outcome.

Madam President,

The Report of the Secretary General has noted an increase in voluntary return of Afghan refugees from both Iran and Pakistan. However Pakistan continues to be one of the top two countries that host the world’s largest refugee population. We welcome the Afghan Government’s commitment to the return and reintegration of these refugees and hope that UNAMA will continue to assist in this regard. My Prime Minister has assured President Ghani that Afghan refugees will not be repatriated forcibly.

The Report recounts that opiates still account for the equivalent of 13% of Afghanistan’s GDP. While we welcome efforts by the Afghan law enforcement authorities to counter this menace, more focused action, with international support, is required.

Madam President,

Pak-Afghan ties transcend boundaries of time and space. Our destinies are intertwined. As Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said in Kabul, “We have stood shoulder to shoulder through every trial and tribulation”. Let me assure Afghanistan of our continued resolve to remain by its side and help the Afghan people in whatever way we can to accomplish the goals of the transformation decade and achieve lasting peace.

I thank you.