As Colombia nears presidential elections, Pakistan calls for peace to ensure better future for people

UNITED NASTIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Apr, 2026) With Columbia, a South American country, preparing for presidential elections, Pakistan Tuesday called for calm and full implementation of a peace accord signed almost 10 years ago.

Speaking in the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said that the 2016 Final Peace Agreement was a Colombian-led-and-owned roadmap for ensuring lasting peace, stability and prosperity of all its peoples.

"We deeply appreciate and laud Colombia’s efforts towards its implementation and reiterate our solidarity with the Colombian people," he added.

Following decades of conflict, the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP rebel group signed the historic Final Agreement on 24 November 2016.

The following year, the Council authorized the creation of a UN Verification Mission in Colombia to oversee the accord’s implementation.

However, the Council narrowed the scope of the Mission’s mandate in October 2025, even as that year saw the attempted assassination - and later passing – of one of Colombia’s presidential candidates. Nevertheless, the country held largely peaceful congressional elections on 8 March 2026.

In his remarks, Ambassador Asim said while overcoming the challenges from a protracted conflict remains an arduous task, he acknowledged the difficult domestic environment in which Colombia continues to implement the 2016 Agreement.

"We commend all parties for their steadfastness and resilience in the implementation of this Agreement."

Noting the recent holding of congressional elections in the country and commending all political actors in the country for endorsing the pact for a free and peaceful electoral process, the Pakistani envoy said he was confident that the Presidential elections, next month, will be held in an orderly and peaceful manner.

"We support Colombia’s continued progress in the implementation of the Peace Agreement, across all facets, and to alleviate the suffering of all those affected by the long-drawn conflict," he said, noting of the government’s efforts at providing opportunities for the ex-combatants to earn livelihood.

Ambassador Asim Ahmad slammed targeted violence against ex-combatants, and social and political leaders by armed groups, and urged all armed actors to renounce violence, respecting fully Colombia’s national laws.

"We encourage all parties to maintain this vital momentum, continue the peace building process and transform the promise of peace and hope for a better future into a tangible reality for all Colombians."

Earlier, Miroslav Jenca, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in the country, underscored he need for ensuring peace in Columbia.

Now, ahead of presidential elections on 31 May, he called on all concerned to ensure a safe, peaceful environment free of violence and stigmatization.

And condemning reported threats against presidential candidates, he called on State authorities to guarantee the safety of all participants in the electoral process.

For its part, the Mission will contribute – as it did during congressional elections – in analyzing security risks and coordinating preventive actions.

Further, the Mission has been “fully restructured” to reflect the “refocused” mandate established by resolution 2798 (2025), which he noted includes reintegration of former combatants, security guarantees and comprehensive rural reform. -

APP/ift