Pakistan emphasized its vital role in global counterterrorism at a UN meeting, advocating for addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and injustice. Pakistani delegate Mohammad Jawad Ajmal highlighted ongoing terrorist threats, while UN official Vladimir Voronkov warned of the dangers posed by groups like Da’esh and al-Qaeda. Emphasis was placed on the importance of human rights and combating hate speech in the global effort.
At a recent United Nations meeting, Pakistan emphasized its significant involvement in combating terrorism while also stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of this global issue. Pakistani delegate Mohammad Jawad Ajmal highlighted that, despite being a major victim of terrorist actions from groups like TTP and Daesh, Pakistan continues to lead international counterterrorism efforts. Ajmal argued that factors such as poverty, injustice, unresolved conflicts, foreign occupation, and oppression must be confronted to effectively combat terrorism.
During the briefing, Vladimir Voronkov, the Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, pointed out the severe impact of terrorism globally. He raised alarms about the potential resurgence of Da’esh and highlighted the threat posed by al-Qaeda affiliates in regions including the Sahel and Somalia. Voronkov noted the exacerbating issues of technological misuse and youth radicalization as essential areas that demand ongoing strategic reevaluation and adaptive counter-responses.
In his address, Ajmal described how the UNOCT’s operations aim to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by terrorist organizations. These challenges span from recruitment and indoctrination to operational threats requiring cross-border collaboration, the elimination of safe havens, and termination of terror financing. He underscored the necessity of upholding human rights and international law, especially in contexts of foreign occupation. Furthermore, he advocated for the prevention of hate speech and rising xenophobia, including Islamophobia, as instrumental in curbing extremism.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s participation at the UN underscores its commitment to counterterrorism while advocating for a comprehensive approach that addresses underlying societal issues contributing to terrorism. The call for collaborative international efforts reinforces the notion that addressing root causes—such as poverty and injustice—is essential in the fight against terrorism. Continuous reevaluation of strategies and promotion of human rights remain critical in achieving sustainable peace and security.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
