**Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations (Information Section)** *Press Release* **** United Nations, 17 January 2025 – Pakistan has reiterated its full support for United Nations peace missions, highlighting their vital role in establishing international peace and security in conflict-affected regions, particularly in the Middle East, and ensuring adherence to international agreements. Pakistan expressed serious concern over the growing threats faced by UNDOF and UNIFIL peacekeepers and reminded the international community of its responsibility to ensure their protection and security. This was stated by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Munir Akram, during a briefing to the United Nations Security Council on UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) and UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon). Ambassador Munir Akram strongly condemned Israel’s continued aggression on Syrian territory and its illegal intrusions into the disengagement zones established under the 1974 disengagement agreement. He described these Israeli actions as a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, stating that they pose a threat to the region’s stability. He called for the strict implementation of the 1974 disengagement agreement and urged the international community to ensure its full adherence. Ambassador Akram also emphasized that unilateral actions are detrimental to the agreement and called for their immediate cessation, stressing that only UNDOF has the mandate for military presence between the Alpha and Beta lines. The Pakistani Ambassador welcomed the agreement between Lebanon and Israel in November 2024, which ended hostilities, and praised the efforts of Lebanese leadership to implement the agreement. However, he expressed concern over Israel’s ongoing violations, including airspace breaches, airstrikes, and restrictions on the movement of UNIFIL. He urged Israel to respect the 60-day timeline for withdrawal from southern Lebanon to ensure peace in the region. Ambassador Munir Akram emphasized the importance of granting UNIFIL freedom of movement and the full deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to achieve the security objectives outlined in Resolution 1701. Pakistan called on the Security Council to ensure the full and uninterrupted implementation of the mandates of UNDOF and UNIFIL. Ambassador Akram urged the UNSC to provide political and practical support for these peace missions, allocate sufficient resources, and provide modern technology to enhance the performance and protection of peacekeepers. He stated that those who attack UN peacekeepers should be brought to justice. Ambassador Munir Akram underscored the continued importance of UNDOF and UNIFIL’s mandates to maintain peace until the underlying conflicts are resolved. He called for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese and Syrian territories, including the Golan Heights, respect for the sovereignty of Lebanon and Syria, and an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The Pakistani Ambassador expressed hope that the recent ceasefire in Gaza would pave the way for a comprehensive solution, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution. Ambassador Munir Akram urged the international community to uphold the principles of justice and international law and ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.