Pakistan committed to cooperating with world to counter terrorism: Maleeha Lodhi

NEW YORK (92 News) – Outgoing Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr Maleeha Lodhi has said that the international community must address root causes of terrorism, including protracted unresolved conflicts, unlawful use of force, aggression, foreign occupation and denial of the right to self-determination. Speaking in debate of UNGA’s sixth Committee on ‘Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism’ on Friday, she said that the world efforts against terrorism should not go waste at the altar of political interests. She said that international fora dealing with counterterrorism should be impartial. “Pakistan has always supported the international efforts for counterterrorism. The key role of the United Nations against terrorism should not be ignored,” he said. Maleeha Lodhi said that terrorism should not be linked to any religion. “Pakistan has gained successes against terrorism,” he said. She said that Pakistan has called for stepped up efforts to address terrorism's root causes and to counter the unjust defamation of certain religions that fosters misconceptions between Muslim world and the West. “Acts of incitement and hate-speech against Muslims, not only exacerbated the gulf in attitudes but also fostered misperceptions between the Muslim world and the West.” She also reiterated Pakistan's condemnation of the deadly menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Maleeha Lodhi said that the unfair and biased portrayal of Islam and Islamic beliefs is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue. “Pakistan is committed to cooperating with the international community to work jointly to counter terrorism,” she added.