Lahore: At the United Nations Pakistan has called for a renewed, comprehensive, and proactive global response to terrorism.

According to Radio Pakistan, the call was made by Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, during a Security Council briefing on 'Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts: Twenty-five years after 9/11: Renew the Security Council's Fight Against Terrorism'. The Ambassador emphasized the necessity for active and effective international cooperation and regional synergies to unite against the global threat of terrorism.

Ambassador Ahmad noted that Pakistan has played its part as a frontline state in the global counter-terrorism effort. He highlighted Pakistan's significant contributions to the international campaign against Al-Qaida, which were achieved through the country's efforts and active cooperation. This success, however, came at a great cost, as over 90,000 Pakistanis, including brave security forces and innocent civilians, lost their lives.

The Ambassador stressed the need to address gaps in the UN Security Council's current sanctions regimes, which are proving insufficient in combating terrorism. He also pointed out emerging dimensions of terrorism, including the alarming rise in far-right extremist movements, the terrorist threat in Africa, the Middle East and Afghanistan, and the increased use of modern technologies for terrorist activities.

Ambassador Ahmad further stated that the perpetration of state terrorism in situations of foreign occupation should not be ignored. He urged the United Nations to ensure that occupying powers are held accountable and are not allowed to operate with impunity to suppress the legitimate struggles of peoples exercising their right to self-determination.