Sir: The role of the UN since its inception has not been productive so far as the problems of the Muslim world are concerned. It was founded in 1945 after World War II with the aim to stop wars between countries, and to promote and facilitate the noble cause of human rights and civil liberties. When founded, the UN had 51 member states; now there are 193. Five countries were made permanent members of the Security Council. They were the US, France, the UK, Russia and China and they have veto power. This is a discriminatory provision. Muslims have no representation in the Security Council as permanent members. There are 10 temporary members for a two-year period. Pakistan is a nuclear Muslim state. It should be made a permanent member of the Security Council. The UN needs reconstruction of its structure. The veto power of the five above-mentioned countries must be abolished. A one-third majority of 193 members of the UN should make all decisions. Otherwise, it will meet the fate of the League of Nations.
In the case of Namibia, East Timor and South Sudan, the UN, under US influence, took rapid steps, and they emerged as legitimate states on the globe. However, in the case of Palestine, the US has been exercising veto power and, in the case of Kashmir, Russia vetoed all debates. The Palestinians and the Kashmiris are the victims of unprecedented atrocities being inflicted upon them by Israeli and Indian predators and aggressors. Both countries, Israel and India, have violated the UN’s resolutions. The world’s conscience is either dead or slumbering on these burning issues. As the UN’s charter claims to maintain peace, it must work towards peace in the Middle East and subcontinent.
DR MAQSOOD JAFRI
Islamabad