At UNGA, Pakistan Urges Safe Return, Justice & Citizenship for Rohingya Muslims
*United Nations, September 30, 2025:* Calling the plight of Rohingya Muslims “one of the most urgent humanitarian and human rights challenges,” Pakistan told the UN General Assembly today that the crisis cannot be allowed to linger unresolved. It urged the international community to turn pledges of solidarity into demonstrable action.
Speaking at the High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and other Minorities, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, aligned with the statement delivered on behalf of the OIC, and underscored the need for urgent action. He reminded delegates of the decades of displacement, denial of rights, and the recent upsurge of violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, which have collectively deepened the suffering of the Rohingya – forcing thousands more into flight and worsening an already dire humanitarian emergency.
Acknowledging the extraordinary generosity of Bangladesh among other host countries, Pakistan drew attention to the immense burden borne by these nations. Stressing that Pakistan itself has hosted millions of refugees to date, the Pakistan UN Ambassador demanded of the international community to demonstrate the same solidarity and urgency to alleviate the crisis.
He emphasized that a durable solution lies in addressing root causes, beginning with the complete implementation of the Advisory Commission’s recommendations – in particular pathways to citizenship – further noting that only an inclusive, Myanmar-owned process, backed by ASEAN, could create conditions to ensure the safe, dignified return of the Rohingya – vital to fostering peace and long-term stability.
Reiterating Pakistan’s principled commitment, Ambassador Asim expressed readiness to cooperate with all partners to alleviate humanitarian suffering and advance a lasting political settlement.
Pakistan further warned that the true test of the international community and multilateralism will be measured by its ability to secure justice, restore dignity, and enable Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar to rebuild their lives in peace and security.
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