Pakistan to expose India’s human rights violations in IIOK, says PM on re-election to UNHCR

Pakistan has been re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) by securing the highest number of votes.

This is the fifth time that Pakistan has been elected to the UN body. The elections were held on Tuesday in New York. Pakistan was re-elected by securing 169 votes in the 193-member UN General Assembly.

Pakistan secured the highest number of votes among the five candidates from the Asia-Pacific region. China, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Nepal along with Pakistan vied for the membership.

After Pakistan, Uzbekistan secured 164 votes, Nepal 150, China 139, and Saudi Arabia 90 votes. Pakistan has served on the UNHRC since 2018 and will continue for another three-year term starting January 1.

Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his pleasure on Pakistan’s re-election, commending the role of the Foreign Office and Pakistan’s missions abroad in this achievement.

The PM further said that Pakistan will continue to ensure HRC’s work is guided by principles of universality, impartiality, dialogue and cooperation. "Pakistan will continue to expose human rights violations committed with impunity by the Indian occupation forces in IIOJK," the PM tweeted.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan’s re-election is a manifestation of the international community’s confidence and trust in Pakistan’s commitment to progressive national and global human rights.

He said Pakistan's re-election has provided an opportunity for highlighting the Kashmir issue. He said UN can become the voice of the Kashmiris.

The foreign minister further said that the Kashmir issue, the rise of Islamophobia, Muslim causes and human rights will be Pakistan’s top priorities as a member of the UN body.

“The international community has once again reposed confidence in Pakistan, recognizing our contribution to the national and global human rights agenda and strong credentials as a consensus builder in the HRC,” noted a statement issued by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York.

“Pakistan remains firmly committed to upholding, promoting and safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.”