Islamabad – Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the principles of global peace, cooperation, and human rights at the 80th United Nations General Assembly session, which began on September 9, 2025. Pakistan has consistently contributed to international peace and cooperation under the UN Charter, but its efforts have always been tested by internal challenges.
Peacekeeping and Security Challenges
Since the 1960s, Pakistan has deployed more than 200,000 peacekeepers under UN leadership. Today, 4,200 personnel are serving in various missions, making Pakistan one of the largest contributors to global peace. Despite this, Pakistan itself remains a victim of terrorism: in 2024, 1,177 people were killed, including 488 civilians and 461 security personnel.
Pakistan has also played a role in global arms reduction, climate justice, and equitable development. However, on the domestic front, civilian casualties rose by 175% in February 2025, when 79 terrorist attacks claimed 55 civilian lives. In August 2025, 143 terrorist attacks left 194 people dead, including 62 civilians and 73 security personnel.
Climate Vulnerability and Environmental Risks
Although Pakistan contributes minimally to global climate change, it ranks among the ten most climate-vulnerable countries. The 2022 floods displaced 33 million people, killed 1,700, destroyed 2 million homes, and caused $30 billion in losses. The 2025 monsoon and extreme heat further worsened threats, leaving 220 million Pakistanis exposed to water scarcity and devastating climate impacts.
Regional Peace and Human Rights
For regional peace, Pakistan helped defuse the May 2025 crisis with India under U.S. mediation. However, instead of pursuing dialogue, India escalated tensions by unilaterally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty for the first time in 60 years. This treaty is a lifeline for Pakistan’s 240 million people, sustaining agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods. On August 26, 2025, India’s sudden release of dam waters displaced 200,000 people, killed 15, and destroyed millions of acres of crops.
On human rights, Pakistan highlighted double standards at the global level. In Indian-occupied Kashmir, 8 million people remain deprived of fundamental freedoms, while in Palestine during 2024–25, journalists, hospitals, and children were targeted, yet international accountability remained limited. Such actions undermine universal human rights values and erode trust in the UN system.
Pakistan’s message for the 80th General Assembly session is clear: uphold peace agreements, recognize climate injustice as a global challenge, and ensure equal accountability on human rights and conflicts worldwide.
