UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has emphasized the critical importance of maintaining the financial viability of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to effectively address the reconstruction and developmental needs of post-conflict countries.
Ansar Shah, representing Pakistan at a meeting on the commission’s 2025 Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture, highlighted the pivotal role played by the peacebuilding architecture in fostering sustainable peace.
Shah, a first secretary at the Pakistan Mission to the UN, underscored that the PBC marshals resources, advises on integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery, and focuses on reconstruction and institution-building. He noted that these efforts lay the groundwork for sustainable development, promote best practices, and ensure predictable financing, thereby making a tangible impact on the ground.
As one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations and a founding member of the PBC, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to peacebuilding and sustaining peace. Shah commended Gambia for its notable progress with PBC support in economic development, democracy consolidation, and peacebuilding, illustrating successful outcomes of collaborative efforts.
Shah called for concerted action by political, security, and development actors to build sustainable peace, cautioning against neglecting governance deficits that could lead to relapses into conflict. Emphasizing the need to address root causes of conflicts tailored to specific country contexts, he stressed the diversity of post-conflict needs—from institution-building to economic reconstruction and security sector reform.
Flexible, adequate, and predictable financing was highlighted as essential for effective peacebuilding and development efforts. Shah also recognized the crucial role of regional organizations in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, advocating for enhanced capacities to maintain regional peace, security, and socio-economic development.
Pakistan’s intervention at the PBC meeting underscored the multifaceted approach required for sustainable peacebuilding, emphasizing tailored interventions, robust financial support, and strengthened regional cooperation as pivotal elements in achieving lasting peace in conflict-affected regions.
