PAKISTAN is an active member of the UN, with a track record of supporting the peaceful resolution of conflicts worldwide. Just recently, Pakistan called for the implementation of the UN Security Council’s latest resolution, which demands the withdrawal of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels from the Democratic Republic of Congo while encouraging diplomatic talks between DRC and Rwanda.

Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who is Pakistan’s permanent representative-designate to the UN, stated that it was “evident that there is no military solution to this conflict”.

His stance reflects a positive, rational approach, and emphasises the need for a political solution rather than military confrontation. However, while Pakistan backs a peaceful resolution to international conflicts, its counterinsurgency approach at home has often been militarised, and has thus presented a contrast between its global and internal strategies. A nation’s moral and political credibility gets a boost when its international commitments align with effective and fair domestic practices.

Apart from the political ethics of international diplomacy, Pakistan can see a familiar pattern in its own case, ie, the role of neighbouring countries is crucial to resolving internal conflicts. In most cases, insurgents receive external support from neighbouring states, which may have various justifications for their involvement. However, a stable and cooperative neighbourhood ultimately facilitates conflict resolution, as most insurgencies emerge and operate near international borders.

Given the presence of militants in the border areas, securing regional cooperation is essential.

The most effective counterinsurgency (COIN) strategies acknowledge........

© Dawn