At UN, Pakistan pushes for preventing any state from dominating regional peace organizations

Pakistan stands for boosting cooperation between the U.N. and regional and sub-regional organizations in maintaining world peace and security, a top Pakistani diplomat has said, while also stressing that no state should be allowed to dominate regional organizations.

“We must strive for a collective vision that benefits all,” Ambassador Munir Akram told the UN Security Council which held a debate on Friday under the chairmanship of Russia, the 15-nation body’s president for the month of July.

In this regard, the Pakistani envoy underscored that the particular national interests of member states do not hinder regional integration.

“The quest for regional hegemony by one large state has undermined the potential of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC),” the Pakistani said in an obvious reference to India.

Established in 1985, SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) comprises: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.But India has all along been an obstacle in promoting regional cooperation through SAARC, a body established to bring prosperity to the peoples of South Asian region. In his remarks, Ambassador Akram said, “Regional integration represents the next phase of institutional development in international relations — particularly in the realms of trade and industry.