Pakistan has reiterated its steadfast support for the sovereignty and territorial unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina amidst growing concerns over increasing political tensions and divisive rhetoric within the country.
During the United Nations Security Council debate focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, today appealed to all political leaders and ethnic factions in Bosnia to abandon divisive rhetoric and cooperate for peace and collective progress.
The Ambassador highlighted the importance of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which is the cornerstone for ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity across Bosnia’s ethnic spectrum.
Highlighting the friendly and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Ahmad expressed hope that Bosnia’s political leadership would act with wisdom and responsibility. He encouraged constructive dialogue and meaningful inclusion to resolve differences and promote cooperation for the welfare of all citizens.
He emphasized that the path to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future lies with its diverse ethnic communities-Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. Ambassador Ahmad appealed to these groups to reject divisive and inflammatory rhetoric and instead promote dialogue and harmony.
The Ambassador noted that the evolving political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina poses challenges to the delicate inter-ethnic balance. He expressed concern over the impact of political tensions on governance matters, while institutional stalemates are exacerbating administrative and constitutional obstacles.
Acknowledging the stable security landscape, Pakistan warned about alarming developments, particularly provocative rhetoric targeting specific groups with ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Recalling the region’s tragic history, particularly the Srebrenica genocide, Ambassador Ahmad emphasized the danger that conflicts could ignite through incendiary language and hate speech that deliberately stoke ethnic fears.
Ambassador Ahmad appreciated High Representative Christian Schmidt for the informative briefing and commended the efforts of the High Representative’s office in implementing the civilian aspects of the peace agreement as outlined in Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
He stressed that sustainable peace and lasting stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina can only be achieved through adherence to the fundamental principles of the Dayton Agreement.
The Ambassador also recognized Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereign right to chart its path in accordance with its priorities for regional partnerships and integration.