In its first formal meeting since assuming the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for July, Pakistan has called for urgent and coordinated international action to tackle the escalating gang crisis in Haiti.
Chairing the 15-member Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, warned that the situation in Haiti had reached a critical point. “The era of half measures is over,” he declared, adding, “Gangs have turned Haiti’s streets into war zones. Vigilante killings are rising, children are being drawn into armed groups, and basic services have collapsed — forcing hundreds of thousands to live in fear and hunger.”
He underscored the need for a political solution led by Haitians but firmly backed by the international community. “This crisis demands unity of purpose and a determined global response,” he stated, voicing Pakistan’s strong support for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. He urged the Council to ensure the mission is “robust, properly funded, and equipped to succeed.”
“Anything less,” he cautioned, “risks collective failure. The people of Haiti deserve peace, dignity, and security — and Pakistan is committed to helping the Council deliver that hope.”
UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Americas, Miroslav Jenca, echoed the concern, reporting that the Haitian state’s authority has significantly eroded since January. Gangs have paralyzed the capital, Port-au-Prince, and grounded international flights, effectively isolating the country.
Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), warned that criminal groups now dominate trade routes, stifling legal commerce and worsening food insecurity. “The state’s capacity to govern is shrinking rapidly,” she said, warning of a looming total collapse of government presence.
Kashmir Issue Highlighted
In a separate news briefing at the UN headquarters, Ambassador Asim also drew attention to the unresolved Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India. “This issue must be addressed,” he stressed. “It’s not just Pakistan’s responsibility. The Security Council, especially its permanent members, must take action to implement their own resolutions.”
His remarks came a day after Pakistan formally took over the rotating presidency of the UNSC, which changes monthly among member states.
