By Amjad Qaimkhani
NEW YORK: Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the peace process in Colombia, urging all stakeholders to sustain efforts towards the full implementation of the landmark 2016 peace accord, which it described as central to securing long-term stability after decades of conflict.
Speaking at a briefing of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said the agreement remained a “Colombian-led and Colombian-owned” framework capable of delivering lasting peace and prosperity if implemented in full. He underscored Islamabad’s continued solidarity with the Colombian people, while acknowledging the steady role played by the UN Verification Mission in supporting the fragile transition.
Ahmad noted that translating a peace accord into reality after years of armed conflict was inherently complex, particularly in a challenging domestic environment where security concerns and institutional constraints continued to test progress. Despite these difficulties, he commended the Colombian authorities for advancing implementation across multiple fronts, including measures designed to ease the suffering of communities most affected by the violence.
He pointed in particular to efforts aimed at reintegrating former combatants into civilian life, including initiatives to expand livelihood opportunities, while also strengthening protection mechanisms in regions where insecurity persists. Such measures, he suggested, were essential to building public confidence in the peace process.
The Pakistani envoy also welcomed recent political developments, including the conduct of congressional elections, and praised political actors for committing to a peaceful and transparent electoral process. He expressed confidence that the forthcoming presidential vote would proceed in an orderly manner, reinforcing democratic continuity.
