UNITED NATIONS: The First Committee today [Nov 20] adopted by an overwhelming majority the Pakistan draft resolution, which was regarded as a green signal for entering into consultations with a view to establishing a nuclear-free-zone in the six-State South Asia. By a vote of 84 in favour, two against (India and Bhutan), with 36 abstentions, the Pakistani proposal would have the [General] Assembly endorse, in principle, the concept of a denuclearised South Asia. Earlier, the Committee also adopted the Indian draft resolution, which considers that the initiative for the creation of a nuclear-free zone should come from the States of the region. It received 90 votes in favour, none against, with 32 abstentions, including Pakistan.

Observers here regarded the adoption of Pakistan draft as a clear success for the Pakistan delegation even though the Indian proposal, which is inadequate and incomplete, secured six more votes. This was because of support of the Soviet bloc to India. … Under the Pakistan draft, the Secretary-General has been given a clear mandate with a view to promoting consultations to achieve the objective. It has … cleared up the ambiguities of the Indian proposal.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2024