Pakistan has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina during a United Nations Security Council debate on the country’s situation, while also expressing concern over growing ethnic and political tensions.
Speaking at the Security Council session, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said recent political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina were not contributing positively to the country’s fragile internal balance, particularly among different ethnic communities.
He noted with concern that increasing political polarization and institutional deadlock had adversely affected Bosnia’s administrative, legislative, and constitutional structures, creating uncertainty over the country’s future stability.
Call for Successor to Christian Schmidt
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar appreciated the briefing delivered by High Representative Christian Schmidt and took note of his intention to step down from the position. He urged relevant international stakeholders to appoint a successor without delay so Bosnian institutions could continue advancing their responsibilities and reform agenda necessary for long-term stability.
Warning Against Divisive Narratives
Discussing the security environment, the Pakistani envoy said the overall ground situation remained stable, but warned that inflammatory rhetoric based on ethnic and religious divisions was deeply concerning.
He stressed that targeting any particular community and promoting hatred could further destabilize the region and undermine peace efforts.
Reference to Srebrenica Genocide
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar reminded the Security Council that the infamous Srebrenica genocide did not begin with weapons alone, but with hateful speech and divisive narratives.
He cautioned that portraying neighboring communities as existential threats had led to catastrophic consequences in the past, emphasizing that hate-driven rhetoric must be unequivocally condemned to prevent history from repeating itself.
Commitment to the Dayton Agreement
Pakistan reiterated that the General Framework Agreement for Peace, commonly known as the Dayton Agreement, along with the constitutional institutions established under it, remained essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s peace and development.
The Pakistani envoy stated that lasting peace would only be possible if all parties fully adhered to the core principles of the agreement.
Support for International Integration
Pakistan also recognized Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereign right to pursue integration with any regional political or economic organization, including the European Union, according to the wishes of its people.
Islamabad believes that economic development and stronger international partnerships can play a significant role in ensuring prosperity and long-term stability in Bosnia.
Message to Bosnia’s Leadership
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar urged Bosnia’s three main communities — Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs — to reject divisive and dangerous narratives.
He emphasized that Pakistan shares deep brotherly relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and hopes its leadership will demonstrate wisdom by resolving differences through constructive dialogue and cooperation to secure a peaceful and dignified future for its people.
