New York: Pakistan has reiterated its support for peace, stability, and sustainable development in West Africa and the Sahel. This declaration was made by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a United Nations Security Council briefing on the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in New York.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar emphasized the necessity of national ownership, regional cooperation, and sustained international engagement to address the complex political, security, humanitarian, and development challenges in the region. He praised UNOWAS’s efforts in promoting preventive diplomacy, inclusive political dialogue, and regional cooperation.

The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the countries in the region, highlighting the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states. He also noted Pakistan’s long-standing partnership with Africa, particularly through the service of Pakistani peacekeepers in United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions across the continent.

Expressing concern over the persistent terrorist threat in West Africa and the Sahel, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar called for enhanced regional and international cooperation. He advocated for comprehensive strategies that integrate effective security measures with efforts to address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism.