NEW YORK, Nov 18: Pakistan is playing a leadership role in the United Nations, said the country’s permanent representative to the UN, Shamshad Ahmad, here on Sunday.

He said in an interview with the APP that Pakistan’s profile in the world body received a major boost during the recent visit by the president to New York to participate in the general debate of the UN General Assembly.

“The president’s visit reaffirmed to the international community Pakistan’s principled policy on fight against terrorism, which was in keeping with the UN charter and resolutions.

Our decision to be a part of the international coalition is rooted in our abhorrence of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said.

He said Pakistan was a recognized and respected name in the UN and during the year, it had been elected to the Commission on Human Rights, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and the Executive Boards of the UN Development Programme and the UN Family Planning Association. Election to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs was with a record 52 votes out of 53.

He said Pakistan had also won last month unanimous endorsement of the Asian group for its candidacy for the UN Security Council. Pakistan is a candidate for the non-permanent seat of the UNSC for 2003-04.

The elections are to be held during the 57th session of the General Assembly next year. Endorsement by the Asian group, with support from leading countries like Japan, China and Saudi Arabia, has paved the way for Pakistan’s victory.

He said this was an ample acknowledgement of Pakistan’s strong credentials and its commitment to the cause of international peace and security. He said Pakistan was one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. So far, Pakistan has contributed to 28 peacekeeping operations, including police and civilian personnel beside troops.—APP