Pakistan’s Role In The UN General Assembly Resolution For Palestine – OpEd

The recent passage of a Pakistan-sponsored resolution by the United Nations General Assembly recognising people’s right to self-determination is critical for Palestine. As Israel’s military strikes on Gaza escalate, killing tens of thousands and displacing many more, this resolution serves as a reminder of the international community’s commitment to individuals living under foreign occupation, particularly Palestinians.

Pakistan’s stance in promoting this resolution has been continuous for decades, demonstrating its long-standing sympathy for oppressed peoples not only in Palestine but also in other areas such as Kashmir. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, Pakistan’s efforts at the UN demonstrate the possibilities and limitations of international diplomacy in resolving persistent disputes.

The Significance of Self-Determination in the UN Charter

The notion of self-determination is a cornerstone of international law. It is inscribed in the United Nations Charter and reinforced by other international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The notion, also key to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, advocates for all peoples’ freedom to freely choose their political status and pursue economic, social, and cultural development.

The UN General Assembly’s acceptance of Pakistan’s resolution is more than simply symbolic; it reaffirms the worldwide agreement that self-determination is a fundamental right. It speaks directly to the heart of the Palestinian struggle—a people whose right to self-determination has been systematically denied by decades of Israeli occupation, settlement expansion, and, most recently, a brutal military campaign that has claimed the lives of countless civilians, particularly women and children. In such a situation, the resolution assumes urgent importance and moral significance.

Pakistan’s lobbying for Palestine in the United Nations is not new. For more than four decades, Islamabad has utilised its UN platform to introduce and sponsor resolutions promoting universal self-determination. In doing so, it has established itself as a global leader in the fight against foreign occupation, colonial rule, and oppression.

This long-standing commitment is based on Pakistan’s history and foreign policy values, which include assistance for oppressed peoples. Islamabad sees unmistakable parallels between the Palestinian struggle and that of the people of Kashmir. Both regions have suffered from occupation, and both confront tremendous international apathy when it comes to executing the resolutions and laws that purport to defend their rights. By continuing to raise awareness of these issues, Pakistan not only exposes its geopolitical concerns but also champions the cause of international justice.

The most recent resolution continues this practice. It firmly condemns foreign occupation and aggression, urging responsible governments to stop such actions immediately. While this is a clear condemnation of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, it also conveys a larger message to the world community: the era of colonial dominance and foreign servitude must stop, and international law must be followed without exception.

Palestine’s Bid for Full Membership: A Step Toward Justice?

Pakistan’s recent push for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations is an essential component of its diplomacy in the General Assembly. Palestine is now a Permanent Observer State at the UN, which means it can participate in discussions but cannot vote. Full membership would not only give Palestine more international credibility, but it would also represent a tangible step towards the long-awaited two-state solution.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Munir Akram, has been outspoken on the need to address the “historic injustice” against the Palestinian people. During a UN conference in response to the United States’ veto of an Algerian resolution aimed at gaining full membership for Palestine, Akram argued that awarding Palestine full UN membership would give the peace process substantial impetus. He further emphasised that the United States’ veto contradicts the international community’s confidence that a two-state solution is still possible.

In making this argument, Pakistan is not just defending Palestine, but also contesting the double standards that sometimes characterise international diplomacy. Permanent members of the Security Council frequently use their veto to prevent resolutions critical of Israel, undermining the UN’s authority. Pakistan’s campaign for Palestine’s full membership serves as a reminder that global government cannot be democratic or just if a few countries can obstruct choices that affect millions.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A Moral Imperative for Action

As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, Pakistan has urged for rapid international engagement to end the carnage. Ambassador Akram’s statement before the UN encouraged the international community to impose a cease-fire, enable unhindered access to humanitarian relief, and hold Israel accountable for its acts, which he termed probable war crimes. His words reflected rising global concern that Israel’s actions in Gaza may constitute genocide, a stance shared by several international human rights organisations.

The grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, where more than 40,000 people have been murdered and tens of thousands injured, most of whom are civilians, cannot be overlooked. The Israeli embargo of humanitarian supplies, combined with indiscriminate bombardment of residential areas, has caused massive destruction, putting the already destitute and beleaguered territory on the verge of collapse.

Pakistan’s call to action is part of a larger worldwide push for accountability. While Israel continues to justify its actions as self-defence, the scope and nature of its military assault in Gaza indicate otherwise. Collective punishment and civilian targeting are both war crimes under international law. By presenting these facts before the UN, Pakistan makes a moral and legal argument against the continued atrocities in Gaza.

Conclusion: Pakistan’s Diplomatic Leadership at a Crossroads

Pakistan’s support of the UN resolution on self-determination, as well as its desire for full membership in Palestine, reflect a substantial diplomatic attempt to settle one of modern history’s longest-running crises. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, Pakistan’s position as a representative of the Palestinian people at the United Nations becomes increasingly important.

However, the limitations of international diplomacy are brutally clear. The United States’ rejection of Palestine’s full membership request demonstrates the systemic disparities in global governance, in which the interests of a few wealthy states may trump the rights of oppressed people. Nonetheless, Pakistan’s tenacity in the face of these obstacles provides a clear message: the fight for justice, whether in Palestine or Kashmir, will not be abandoned. The UN General Assembly resolution is a step forward, but the path to genuine justice remains long and difficult. Pakistan will play an important role in navigating that route, keeping the candle of self-determination alive for the Palestinian people.