Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist – Diplomat – Advisor - Consultant,Founding Chair, Global Silk Route Research Alliance.(E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

Pakistan's assumption of the presidency of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament in Geneva is more than a routine diplomatic rotation. At a time of intensifying geopolitical competition, rising military expenditure and growing pressure on traditional arms-control mechanisms, Pakistan has been entrusted with an important responsibility at the heart of international peace and security.

New challenges are also emerging in outer space, cyberspace and artificial intelligence. These developments underline the need for stronger international dialogue and more effective multilateral mechanisms to address shared security concerns.

On Aug. 17, Ambassador Tahir Hussain Andrabi began presiding over the Conference on Disarmament on behalf of Pakistan. As the final president of the Conference's 2026 session, he will oversee preparations for its annual report and the related resolution for consideration by the First Committee of the UN General Assembly.

Comprising 65 member states, including all nuclear-armed countries, the Conference remains the principal multilateral negotiating forum for disarmament and arms control.

The importance of Pakistan's role lies not simply in occupying the chair, but in the manner in which it exercises its responsibility. Ambassador Andrabi has emphasized the distinction between Pakistan's national positions and the impartial responsibilities of the presidency.

A chair must facilitate dialogue and faithfully reflect the views of the membership rather than advance a national agenda. Such an approach is fundamental to credible multilateral diplomacy, particularly at a time when international divisions are becoming increasingly pronounced.

A Long Record of International Responsibility

Pakistan's current role has considerable historical depth.

Since joining the United Nations in 1947, Pakistan has repeatedly been entrusted with positions of responsibility in the organization's principal bodies. It has been elected to the Security Council eight times: in 1952-53, 1968-69, 1976-77, 1983-84, 1993-94, 2003-04, 2012-13 and 2025-26.

Pakistan has also presided over the Economic and Social Council six times: in 1952, 1957, 1975, 1995, 2005 and 2020-21.

As one of the UN's principal organs, ECOSOC plays a significant role in advancing international cooperation on economic, social and development issues. Pakistan's repeated participation in its leadership reflects its longstanding engagement with the international development agenda.

At the General Assembly, Pakistan also produced one of the distinguished figures of early postwar diplomacy. Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, Pakistan's first foreign minister, was elected president of the 17th session of the UN General Assembly in 1962. He subsequently served at the International Court of Justice, including as vice-president.

Pakistan's diplomatic contribution has also extended beyond elected national positions. Ambassador Munir Akram presided over the Conference on Disarmament in 1996 and subsequently served twice as president of the Security Council. He also headed ECOSOC in 2005 and again during 2020-21.

Pakistani nationals have made wider contributions to the UN system. Dr. Nafis Sadik, for instance, served as executive director of the United Nations Population Fund from 1987 to 2000 and became internationally recognized for her work in women's health and population policy.

These experiences demonstrate that Pakistan's engagement with multilateral institutions is not a recent phenomenon, but part of a longstanding diplomatic tradition.

Peacekeeping as a Practical Contribution

Perhaps the most tangible expression of Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism has been its longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping.

Pakistani military personnel have served in numerous UN missions, often in difficult and dangerous environments. Their participation represents a practical contribution to international efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability.

This tradition continues. In August 2026, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Major General Jawwad Ahmed of Pakistan as Force Commander of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.

Such appointments reflect international confidence in Pakistan's professional military capabilities and its extensive experience in UN peacekeeping operations.

Pakistan's contribution to the UN, therefore, cannot be assessed solely through the size of its economy or military capabilities. Its particular strengths lie in diplomacy, peacekeeping experience and its ability to maintain communication across political and regional divides.

China and Pakistan: An Enduring Partnership in a Changing World

Pakistan's growing international role is closely connected with its ability to maintain constructive relations with major partners. Among these relationships, the Pakistan-China partnership occupies a distinctive and enduring position.

China and Pakistan have developed a relationship based on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty and long-term strategic cooperation. Their partnership has remained resilient despite profound changes in the regional and international environment.

The two countries share broad interests in promoting regional stability, strengthening connectivity, advancing economic development and supporting a more representative and inclusive system of global governance.

At a time when unilateralism and geopolitical confrontation continue to create uncertainty, both China and Pakistan have emphasized dialogue, multilateralism and peaceful cooperation.

For Pakistan, cooperation with China has created important opportunities for infrastructure development, economic connectivity and industrial growth. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has become a major platform for promoting connectivity and development, linking Pakistan's development priorities with broader regional cooperation.

Beyond bilateral cooperation, China and Pakistan also share an interest in strengthening South-South cooperation and giving developing countries a greater voice in international affairs.

Both countries recognize that the international system is undergoing profound changes. The rise of developing countries and emerging economies is contributing to a more multipolar world, while the Global South is increasingly seeking a stronger role in shaping international governance.

Shared Commitment to Multilateralism and Development

China and Pakistan have consistently supported the central role of the United Nations in international affairs and have emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation.

Their cooperation reflects a broader recognition that global challenges cannot be effectively addressed through confrontation or exclusive geopolitical blocs.

Issues such as climate change, terrorism, food security, development financing, public health and emerging technologies require broader international cooperation.

In this context, the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and common development have acquired increasing relevance.

Pakistan's current presidency of the Conference on Disarmament provides another opportunity to demonstrate the importance of dialogue in addressing complex international security questions.

China's continued support for multilateralism and international cooperation also provides an important foundation for developing countries seeking a more balanced and inclusive international order.

The two countries can continue to cooperate within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other multilateral platforms to promote regional stability and development.

Connectivity and Common Development

Pakistan's geographical position gives it significant potential to serve as a bridge connecting South Asia, China, Central Asia and the Middle East.

This geographical advantage becomes increasingly important as regional countries seek greater connectivity in trade, transport, energy and infrastructure.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has demonstrated the potential of infrastructure and connectivity to create new opportunities for development.

Its broader significance lies not only in bilateral cooperation, but also in the possibility of strengthening links between regions and promoting shared economic growth.

For developing countries, infrastructure remains one of the essential foundations of modernization. Better roads, railways, ports, energy systems and digital connectivity can contribute to trade, investment and employment.

The emphasis on connectivity and development also reflects a broader understanding that peace and development are closely interconnected. Sustainable peace requires economic opportunity, while long-term development depends on stability.

From Diplomatic Visibility to Practical Results

The challenge before Pakistan is now to transform diplomatic visibility into concrete outcomes.

Its presidency of the Conference on Disarmament should be assessed by its ability to encourage dialogue, build consensus, preserve the credibility of multilateral institutions and keep difficult arms-control questions on the negotiating table.

A mature foreign policy does not require every international development to validate a national position. It requires the capacity to listen, negotiate, accommodate differences and consistently uphold fundamental principles.

Pakistan's long record at the United Nations demonstrates that its international role is not a recent phenomenon. Its current responsibility in Geneva offers another opportunity to contribute constructively to global security and international governance.

At the same time, Pakistan's enduring partnership with China reflects the importance of stable, long-term cooperation in an increasingly uncertain international environment.

Such cooperation should not be viewed through the narrow lens of geopolitical confrontation. Its broader value lies in promoting development, connectivity, regional stability and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Dialogue Is Strategic Strength

The world is becoming increasingly fragmented, but fragmentation makes dialogue more necessary, not less.

Diplomacy is not weakness. It is a form of strategic strength.

Even amid intense geopolitical competition, dialogue remains possible. Multilateral institutions remain relevant, and countries with different political systems and national interests can still identify areas of common ground.

Pakistan's experience at the United Nations, combined with its close and enduring partnership with China, demonstrates the value of maintaining communication, strengthening cooperation and pursuing development through peaceful means.

In an era marked by uncertainty, countries must resist the temptation to view every international relationship through the prism of confrontation.

The more constructive path lies in respecting sovereignty, expanding areas of cooperation, strengthening multilateral institutions and promoting common development.

Pakistan's current role in Geneva offers an opportunity to demonstrate that even when international divisions are profound, dialogue can continue; even when national interests differ, common ground can be found; and even in a rapidly changing international order, cooperation remains an essential foundation for peace and development.

For Pakistan and China, their long-standing partnership provides an important example of how neighboring countries with shared interests can pursue connectivity, development and strategic cooperation while supporting a broader vision of a more inclusive and multipolar international order.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY）