New york: In light of the current global and regional geopolitical situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session is gaining significant importance. Dr. Munawar Hussain, an expert in International Relations, emphasized the importance of this visit, highlighting the multipolarity of the global order and the necessity for strengthening international forums like the United Nations.
According to Radio Pakistan, the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China underscored the need to bolster the United Nations, aiming to foster prosperity and prevent conflicts. Despite over a dozen UN resolutions concerning Palestine, none have been implemented, and the United States has unilaterally vetoed around six resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Similarly, the Kashmir conflict remains unresolved between two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan, exacerbating regional tensions.
Dr. Hussain highlighted the disparity in the implementation of UN resolutions, noting that resolutions on East Timor and South Sudan were enacted promptly, while those concerning Palestine and Kashmir remain stagnant. This inconsistency fosters a sense of deprivation in the Global South. Pakistan, emerging as a significant middle-range power in South Asia and beyond, has become a key player in the Middle East, evidenced by its defense pact with Saudi Arabia and anticipated collaboration with Iran, Turkiye, Qatar, and the UAE.
Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to the US and his address at the UN are pivotal, as he plans to engage with global leaders on the sidelines of the session to discuss these pressing issues. China and several European countries have advocated for Palestine’s special seat allocation in the United Nations, which could counter Israel’s territorial expansion ambitions. Dr. Hussain predicts that, given its numerous pressing issues, the US might soon expect Israel to manage its affairs independently.
Currently, the international community is discussing a two-state solution for Palestine, but Israel’s ruling factions have rejected this proposal, continuing military actions in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, and potentially targeting Turkiye or Egypt. Dr. Hussain asserts that it is now a test for the UN to either pass a resolution supporting a two-state solution or reveal its limitations in addressing this longstanding conflict.