New York – At a high-level conference during the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan reiterated its call for the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of Rohingya Muslims to their homeland in Myanmar. Addressing the session on the plight of Rohingya and other minority communities, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, highlighted the long-standing suffering of the Rohingya community, who have faced decades of systematic persecution, displacement, and denial of basic rights.

Decades of Displacement and Struggle

Ambassador Iftikhar pointed out that the Rohingya crisis is not new but has persisted for generations. Entire communities have been stripped of citizenship, forced into statelessness, and subjected to waves of violence. He emphasized that the Rohingya Muslims have endured “decades of dispossession and denial of their most fundamental rights,” making their situation one of the world’s most prolonged and neglected humanitarian crises.

Escalation in Rakhine State

The Pakistani envoy drew attention to recent violent escalations in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, which have worsened the humanitarian emergency. He noted that thousands of Rohingya have once again been forced to flee their homes due to intensified military operations and inter-communal violence, creating yet another mass displacement crisis. He warned that the ongoing persecution has not only compounded human suffering but also posed risks to regional peace and stability.

International Responsibility

Ambassador Iftikhar urged the international community to move beyond expressions of solidarity and translate promises into tangible actions. He stressed that global actors, including the UN, humanitarian agencies, and regional partners, must step up efforts to ensure the Rohingya are provided with the means to return home safely and with guaranteed rights.

“The time has come to transform pledges of solidarity into concrete measures,” he stated, underlining that Rohingya Muslims deserve not only compassion but also justice and a secure future.

Pakistan’s Role and Support

Pakistan reaffirmed its consistent stance of supporting the Rohingya people at international forums. Ambassador Iftikhar highlighted Pakistan’s engagement with humanitarian partners and its advocacy for greater international attention on the issue. He called for addressing the root causes of Rohingya persecution, ensuring accountability for crimes against them, and creating conditions conducive to their safe repatriation.

Conclusion

The address reinforced Pakistan’s demand for sustainable solutions, including the recognition of Rohingya rights, restoration of citizenship, and protection from further violence. By bringing the issue once again to the UN stage, Pakistan sought to rally the international community toward urgent action, reminding states that humanitarian commitments must translate into real and lasting relief for one of the world’s most oppressed minority communities.