New York (United Nations), 1 November 2026 (SPS) – Pakistan has reaffirmed its support for the right of peoples to self-determination, explaining its abstention from the US-drafted Security Council resolution on Western Sahara as consistent with its longstanding position against imposing non-consensual solutions.
Speaking during Friday's Security Council session on the renewal of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), Pakistan's representative stressed that lasting peace requires a mutually acceptable political solution based on dialogue and consensus.
He underscored that self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, remains an inalienable principle. He also stressed that any changes to MINURSO's mandate or structure must be guided by progress in the political process and developments on the ground.
Pakistan further expressed hope that ongoing efforts would genuinely reflect the aspirations of the Sahrawi people and secure the confidence of all stakeholders.
The US-drafted resolution, however, sought to redirect the political process towards the Moroccan autonomy proposal as the sole basis for negotiations, while removing explicit references to the referendum and the available options for the Sahrawi people, including independence.
The draft also raised concerns over the proposed redefinition of MINURSO's mandate, potentially shifting its role away from its original objective of organising a self-determination referendum towards monitoring the ceasefire and managing the situation on the ground.
Related blogs
