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Pakistan's recent efforts at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to indirectly highlight the Kashmir issue underscore the persistent geopolitical tensions between Pakistan and India. As Pakistan's month-long presidency of the UNSC concludes, the nation strategically planned an open debate on global disputes, a move widely interpreted as a veiled attempt to draw international attention to the long-standing conflict over Jammu and Kashmir. This maneuver, however, is fraught with diplomatic complexities and the potential for encountering significant resistance from other UNSC member states, particularly permanent members who view Kashmir as a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan. Pakistan's strategy involves proposing a resolution that encourages member states to utilize peaceful means to resolve conflicts, a seemingly innocuous proposal. However, the underlying intention is to subtly underscore the need for a peaceful resolution in Kashmir, aligning with Pakistan's broader narrative that the region's future should be determined through dialogue and negotiation. The challenge for Pakistan lies in navigating the intricate dynamics of the UNSC, where any direct mention of Jammu and Kashmir in the resolution could trigger a veto, effectively nullifying the effort. The composition of the UNSC, with its five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), each holding veto power, necessitates a delicate and nuanced approach. Pakistan's awareness of this reality is evident in its anticipated decision to avoid explicitly naming Jammu and Kashmir in the resolution. Instead, the resolution is expected to focus on broader principles of peaceful conflict resolution, leveraging Chapter VI of the UN Charter, which outlines various mechanisms for resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and other peaceful means. This strategy aims to garner broader support and avoid direct confrontation with countries that might oppose any resolution specifically targeting Kashmir. The planned visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, to New York to chair the debate on July 22nd further highlights the importance Pakistan places on this initiative. The presence of UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the briefing adds weight to the event, potentially amplifying the message Pakistan hopes to convey. However, the effectiveness of Pakistan's strategy hinges on its ability to convince other UNSC members of the merits of its approach without explicitly mentioning Kashmir, a task that requires considerable diplomatic finesse and strategic communication. The response from India, as well as other key UNSC members, will be critical in determining the outcome of Pakistan's efforts.
The historical context of the Kashmir dispute further complicates Pakistan's efforts at the UNSC. The dispute dates back to the partition of India in 1947, when the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with a majority Muslim population but ruled by a Hindu monarch, acceded to India. Pakistan has long contested India's claim over Kashmir, arguing that the region's predominantly Muslim population should have the right to self-determination. This has led to several wars and ongoing tensions between the two nations. The UNSC has addressed the Kashmir issue on numerous occasions in the past, passing resolutions calling for a plebiscite to determine the region's future. However, these resolutions have never been fully implemented, and the situation on the ground remains volatile. India maintains that Kashmir is an integral part of its territory and has resisted any external interference in the matter. This stance is supported by several UNSC members, who view Kashmir as a bilateral issue that should be resolved through direct negotiations between India and Pakistan. Pakistan's current attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the UNSC can be seen as a continuation of its long-standing efforts to internationalize the dispute. However, the changing geopolitical landscape and the shifting priorities of the UNSC present new challenges for Pakistan. The rise of terrorism in the region and the increasing focus on counter-terrorism efforts have further complicated the situation. India has consistently accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism in Kashmir, a charge that Pakistan denies. This has made it difficult for Pakistan to gain international support for its position on Kashmir. The international community's concerns about terrorism have also made it more difficult for Pakistan to advocate for the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people. Many countries fear that allowing a plebiscite in Kashmir could lead to further instability and create a breeding ground for extremist groups. In light of these challenges, Pakistan's strategy at the UNSC must be carefully calibrated to avoid alienating key members and to address the concerns about terrorism. The focus on peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms, as outlined in Chapter VI of the UN Charter, is a strategic move that aims to appeal to a broader audience and to avoid direct confrontation with India. However, the success of this strategy ultimately depends on Pakistan's ability to convince other UNSC members that its intentions are genuine and that it is committed to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
The role of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The OIC, a 57-member group of Muslim-majority countries, has historically supported Pakistan's stance on Kashmir. Pakistan's plan to promote cooperation between the UN and the OIC during its UNSC presidency is a strategic move aimed at leveraging the OIC's support to further its agenda on Kashmir. However, the OIC's influence within the UNSC is limited, and its support for Pakistan's position on Kashmir may not be enough to overcome the opposition from other key members. The internal divisions within the OIC and the diverse geopolitical interests of its member states also present challenges for Pakistan. Not all OIC member states share Pakistan's views on Kashmir, and some may be reluctant to take a strong stance against India. Furthermore, India has been actively engaging with several OIC member states, strengthening its diplomatic and economic ties with them. This has made it more difficult for Pakistan to garner unanimous support from the OIC on the Kashmir issue. The success of Pakistan's strategy at the UNSC will depend on its ability to navigate these complex dynamics and to build bridges with key OIC member states. Pakistan needs to convince OIC member states that supporting its position on Kashmir is in their own best interests and that it aligns with their broader goals of promoting peace and stability in the region. This requires a nuanced and sophisticated diplomatic approach that takes into account the diverse interests and perspectives of OIC member states. In addition to engaging with the OIC, Pakistan also needs to focus on building relationships with other key UNSC members, including the permanent members. This requires a sustained effort to address their concerns and to build trust. Pakistan needs to demonstrate that it is a responsible and reliable partner in the international community and that it is committed to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute. This will require Pakistan to take concrete steps to address the issue of cross-border terrorism and to promote dialogue with India. The challenge for Pakistan is to balance its desire to raise the Kashmir issue at the UNSC with the need to maintain good relations with other key members and to avoid alienating them.
Syed Akbaruddin, former Indian Ambassador to the UN, aptly points out that any resolution passed is likely to be broad and conceptual, focusing on general principles to avoid objections. This highlights the pragmatic approach Pakistan must adopt to navigate the complex political landscape of the UNSC. Pakistan is cognizant of the fact that apart from China, the other permanent members of the UNSC largely consider Kashmir a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. This understanding necessitates a carefully crafted strategy that avoids direct confrontation and instead focuses on fostering a broader consensus on the importance of peaceful conflict resolution. The report from the Security Council Report further emphasizes this point, noting that Pakistan hopes to pass a resolution encouraging the full use of all mechanisms under Chapter VI of the UN Charter. Article 33 of this chapter specifically urges parties in a dispute that threatens international peace to seek solutions through various peaceful means, including mediation and arbitration. By focusing on these universally accepted principles, Pakistan aims to create a favorable environment for dialogue and negotiation on the Kashmir issue, without directly challenging the sovereignty of India or violating international norms. However, the international community's recognition of the UNSC's role in maintaining peace and security is tempered by the insistence that any efforts must respect a country's sovereignty and cannot impose settlement terms without the consent of all involved parties. This delicate balance between promoting peaceful conflict resolution and respecting national sovereignty underscores the challenges Pakistan faces in its attempt to internationalize the Kashmir issue. The open debate initiated by Pakistan follows earlier closed-door discussions on May 5 to address India-Pakistan tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. This suggests that Pakistan is actively seeking opportunities to engage with the international community on the Kashmir issue and to highlight the need for a peaceful resolution. However, the effectiveness of these efforts remains to be seen, as India has consistently maintained that Kashmir is an internal matter and that any dialogue must be conducted bilaterally. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether Pakistan's efforts at the UNSC will yield any tangible results or whether the Kashmir issue will continue to be relegated to the sidelines of international diplomacy.
In conclusion, Pakistan's strategic play at the UNSC to subtly address the Kashmir issue reflects the nation's enduring commitment to finding a resolution to the long-standing conflict. However, the path forward is fraught with challenges, including the need to navigate the complex dynamics of the UNSC, overcome the opposition from key member states, and address concerns about terrorism. Pakistan's success hinges on its ability to craft a nuanced and sophisticated diplomatic strategy that resonates with the broader international community and promotes a peaceful and just resolution to the Kashmir dispute. The effort by Pakistan at the UNSC is not merely about altering the immediate political landscape but potentially setting the stage for future diplomatic engagements. By keeping the broader principles of peaceful conflict resolution in the global dialogue, Pakistan is hoping to create a more conducive atmosphere for future negotiations related to Kashmir. The long-term impact of these efforts is contingent upon continuous engagement, adaptive diplomatic strategies, and the building of trust with key international actors. Pakistan's strategy must also involve addressing domestic and international concerns, specifically regarding human rights and governance within its controlled regions of Kashmir. A commitment to transparent governance and human rights can strengthen Pakistan's position and garner more international support. Moreover, fostering economic stability and regional cooperation with its neighbors can improve Pakistan's overall image and credibility on the global stage. Therefore, while Pakistan's current endeavors at the UNSC represent an immediate diplomatic initiative, their long-term success depends on a holistic approach that integrates domestic reforms, international engagement, and unwavering dedication to peace and stability in the region. The journey to resolution is long and complex, but Pakistan's continued efforts demonstrate a commitment to finding a peaceful solution and ensuring the stability of the region. These efforts also contribute to the broader international discourse on conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism and the role of international organizations in maintaining global peace and security. The ultimate success of Pakistan's strategy at the UNSC will depend not only on the immediate diplomatic outcomes but also on the long-term impact it has on the international community's understanding of the Kashmir issue and its commitment to finding a peaceful and just resolution.
Source: Pakistan's dirty trick at UNSC, attempts back-door push for Kashmir issue as panel chair