Statement by Ambassador Farukh Amil, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan, in the Security Council Debate on the Situation in Afghanistan

Mr. President,
  1. At the outset, I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate you for a successful and eventful presidency of the Security Council and for your able guidance and stewardship of the Council’s work during the month. As a dear friend of the people of Pakistan and since you are coming to the end of a brilliant career our delegation would like to wish you all the best in your future endeavours. This timely debate is a testimony of continued attention of the international community and the Security Council on Afghanistan. We are also thankful to Mr. Kai Eide for his informative briefing this morning. Pakistan appreciates the important role of the United Nations in Afghanistan.
  2. The latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/323) presents an objective analysis of the situation in Afghanistan. While Afghanistan has made progress on certain frontiers, considerable challenges remained on political, security, governance, humanitarian and development fronts. The overall deterioration of the security situation is a matter of concern. Development and reconstruction efforts are slow and uneven. Absence of State authority beyond some major cities, lack of good governance, rampant corruption and economic hardships are shattering the people’s confidence about the ability of the Government to provide protection and better conditions of life. An increase in civilian casualties is further fueling public grievances against foreign forces. This has been a major impediment to winning hearts and minds of the Afghan people, which is necessary for success in Afghanistan.

Mr. President,

  1. Afghanistan is standing at the cross-roads of the history. Challenges facing Afghanistan are numerous and daunting. For decades, Afghanistan has suffered from the ravages of war and civil strife. The brotherly people of Afghanistan have been the victims of instability, violence, terrorism, factional fighting, illegal arms, narcotics production and trafficking, and organized crime. This has had a disastrous effect on the Afghan economy, infrastructure, and society. The time has arrived to put an end to this vicious cycle. But there is no magic wand to turn the devastation of decades into development overnight.
  2. Absence of a comprehensive strategy has prevented us from gaining any significant headway in consolidation peace and achieving stability in Afghanistan. We must move from the hitherto fragmented and piecemeal approach to tackle these formidable challenges and should mount an integrated response fully owned and led by the Afghan people with the support of the international community.
  3. Partnerships with regional States as well as the international community will remain key to sustainable peace and development in Afghanistan. A series of recent international and trans-regional meetings (SCO, ECO, The Hague Conference and Trieste) indicates the dedication and commitment of regional and international partners to the development of Afghanistan. The abundance of international attention and goodwill towards Afghanistan is a good opportunity to galvanize our efforts and evolve a new consensus to achieve a comprehensive strategy for peace in Afghanistan and the region.

    Based on cooperation and shared responsibility, such a consensus should address the past and present shortcomings and set a clear strategic direction for the international efforts in Afghanistan.

  4. In this regard, Mr. President, let me briefly mention some aspects which would require particular attention.
  5. First, challenges faced by Afghanistan are of internal origin and therefore require internal solutions. Any comprehensive strategy, devised to address these challenges, must enjoy full ownership of the Afghan people and continued support of the international community, particularly the neighboring countries.
  6. Second, use of military force alone cannot deliver. Resultant civilian casualties have been a major cause of alienation. It would be worthwhile to focus less on military operations and devote more energy on protecting populations and securing areas.
  7. Third, a civilian development surge is needed. Massive investment is required in reconstruction, development and social welfare programs, improving governance and putting premium on strengthening of State institutions and capacity building. Providing better living conditions and making peace dividends visible would greatly help to win over the support of the Afghan people.
  8. Fourth, we must not deal with the problems of terrorism and violent extremism in isolation; they are part of a wider issue and should be tackled accordingly. Rise in militancy in Afghanistan is directly linked to unchecked growth of narcotics in Afghanistan. Financial resources generated through illicit trade in drugs have helped sustain the activities of insurgents and extremist elements. There is a dire need to address this narcotics problem. Short-term measures need to be complemented by comprehensive, durable and long-term solutions based on alternative livelihoods and development.
  9. Fifth, any strategy, no matter how innovative or dynamic it is, would be doomed to failure without the support of all elements of Afghan society. There is a dire need to launch an Afghan led process of reconciliation based on dialogue. The renewal of the democratic mandate in the forthcoming elections in Afghanistan is an ideal opportunity to promote political and socio-economic inclusion and national reconciliation.
  10. Sixth, the parameters of a sustainable solution should include a comprehensive regional approach, taking into account the interests, the capacities and the aspirations of sovereign States and their people. It should build solid stakes for all sides in lasting peace. Given its strategic geographical setting, the region has a vast potential to be transformed into an international cooperation and development hub. We must move from confrontation and rivalry to competition and cooperation to harvest the latent benefits. Tapping this potential would be win-win for all in the region and beyond.
  11. Role of the United Nations is cornerstone of the international efforts to help Afghanistan. We appreciate the constructive role played by UNAMA in Afghanistan. Given the formidable scope and gigantic task at hand, we believe that the mission should be provided with necessary resources to carry out its mandate.

Mr. President,

  1. Apart from Afghanistan itself, no other country has a more vital stake in establishment of peace, security and prosperity in that country than Pakistan. Pakistan is the direct sufferer of ongoing instability in Afghanistan. Peace in Afghanistan is essential for tranquility and development of Pakistan’s own border regions. Therefore, we are firmly committed to help the government of Afghanistan and the international coalition in restoring security and bringing stability to Afghanistan. Pakistan has been host to the world’s largest refugee population, with all its consequences. The security forces and the people of Pakistan continue to render tremendous sacrifices.
  2. Pakistan attaches high priority to close friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan and want to have a broad-based, mutually beneficial relationship with its western neighbour. Pak-Afghan relations have improved tremendously with frequent contacts at the highest political levels and commitment by both sides to work together to address common problems and realize our joint potential. The 3rd Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA) held in Islamabad from 13-14 May was a further demonstration of Pakistan’s commitment to stability and economic development of Afghanistan.
  3. Let me highlight some of the words of my Prime Minister:
    • “Since his (my) meeting in Colombo in 2008 with President Karzai, our two democratic governments have jointly brought about a fundamental transformation in our bilateral relationship. Today our multi-track engagement is comprehensive – encompassing political, economic, security and social spheres.”
    • Pakistan has also been engaged in capacity building of Afghanistan’s state institutions in the fields of diplomacy, law enforcement, judiciary, agriculture, counter narcotics and medical and paramedical services.
    • Our participation is meant for the Afghan people, on projects identified by the Afghans and implemented through the Afghan authorities.
    • A culturally nuanced Afghan-led process of dialogue and reconciliation has to proceed in tandem with efforts to co-opt local populations. Pakistan welcomes the renewed focus on trans-regional development.
    • The Prime Minister announced at the forum specific measures including 1000 scholarships for the Afghan students, proposing setting up model villages for the Afghan refugees and establishment of vocational training centers.
  4. Lately, Pakistan has also been engaged in Trilateral Summits involving key players, from the US to Turkey to Iran and Russia, and has participated in other international meetings on Afghanistan, which has demonstrated our commitment to Afghanistan
  5. We welcome reinvigoration of the US focus on the region to promote broad based cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of three countries in February followed by a trilateral Summit in May have greatly helped in defining the future contours of comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan.
  6. Our participation in the SCO meeting held in Moscow on 27 March further enhanced the trilateral cooperation among the Russian Federation, Pakistan and Afghanistan. We welcome the readiness expressed by the Russian Federation to contribute to all positive initiatives to eradicate terrorism, narcotics and organized crime.
  7. Similarly, our participation in the Trilateral Summit, very graciously hosted by our brotherly country Turkey in Ankara on 1 April, constitutes a step forward in trilateral cooperation among our three nations in the field of security and intelligence sharing leading towards building greater trust among all the sides.
  8. Equally important was the meeting on 11 March in Tehran, where Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan established a trilateral mechanism. This was followed by senior officials meeting on 10th April in Islamabad to strengthen further coordination.

Mr. President,

  1. Pakistan envisions a peaceful, stable, prosperous and thriving region. Pakistan stands ready to play its part in that process and reiterates its full support for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan. We also call on the international community and the United Nations to remain steadfast in their commitment to Afghanistan.

Thank you.