Pakistan and international organizations

The United Nations at a glance

The United Nations Organization (UNO) was established on 24 October 1945, after the Second World War, to save future generations from war. Its headquarters is in New York. Pakistan became a member on 30 September 1947.

Six principal organs

UN bodies named in this unit

The UN's role in improving welfare in developing and conflict-affected countriesOften examined

The United Nations promotes the welfare of developing and conflict-affected countries through many initiatives. It deals with human rights, religious freedom, peacekeeping, access to food and health care, education, poverty reduction and economic progress.

1. Human rights

On 10 December 1948 the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) monitor and report violations, help countries improve their records and help victims. By setting international standards and holding nations accountable, the UN promotes a culture of respect for human rights.

2. Religious freedom

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) was adopted by the General Assembly on 16 December 1966 and entered into force on 23 March 1976. It ensures freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and the UN makes recommendations to guarantee respect for religious diversity. This is critical in conflict areas where religious persecution is common.

3. Peacekeeping

UN peacekeeping missions stabilize conflict areas: they protect civilians, monitor ceasefires, disarm combatants and help carry out peace treaties. Acting as a buffer between opposing parties, they reduce violence and create conditions for long-term peace. Successful operations: Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mozambique, Namibia, Tajikistan, Liberia, Haiti and Kosovo.

4. Access to food and health care

The World Food Programme (WFP) fights hunger with emergency food aid and by boosting food production in poor nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) strengthens health systems, controls disease outbreaks and ensures access to critical health services.

5. Education

UNESCO promotes education for all, focusing on literacy, teacher training and inclusive education, and treats education as a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for sustainable communities. The UN also supports the Global Education First Initiative (GEFI).

6. Poverty reduction

UN efforts are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 1 (No Poverty). Through the UNDP it provides social safety nets, strengthens governance and expands economic opportunities.

7. Economic progress

The UN encourages global trade, investment and cooperation, gives policy advice and supports infrastructure. UNCTAD and other bodies help improve trade opportunities and economic resilience.

Comprehensive impact

By working at the same time on education, poverty, growth, human rights, religious freedom, peace and essential services, the UN gives a comprehensive framework for sustainable development and peace. This helps build resilient societies and aims to ensure that no one is left behind on the path to peace and development.

UN intervention in Syria

In March 2011, discontent with President Bashar al-Assad led to large protests and pro-democracy rallies across Syria, part of the wider Arab Spring. Security forces violently suppressed them, causing tens of thousands of deaths and detentions. Resistance militias formed and a full civil war developed by 2012.

Atrocities in El-Houleh (25 May 2012) and Hama (6 June 2012) drew international attention.

UN response

• August 2011: the Human Rights Council created the Commission of Inquiry on Syria to monitor gross violations of human rights.
• The General Assembly repeatedly passed resolutions condemning abuses, for example Resolution 79/185 on human rights in Syria, adopted on 17 December 2024 in its 79th session.
• 14 April 2012: Security Council Resolution 2042 authorized 30 unarmed observers to report on the ceasefire.
• 21 April 2012: Resolution 2043 set up the UN Supervision Mission in Syria.
• The Security Council supported the Six-Point Plan of the UN-Arab League Special Envoy Kofi Annan.

The Syrian revolution achieved its main goal when the Assad regime fell in December 2024; Assad fled to Moscow, and on 8 December 2024 Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali handed power to the revolutionaries (the Fall of Damascus).

UN intervention in South Sudan

The root causes of Sudan's civil wars were historical, social and economic: governance, religious identity and resource allocation. Two civil wars were fought between the central government and the southern regions, 1955 to 1972 and 1983 to 2005; they led to the independence of South Sudan in 2011 and killed 1.5 million people. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 9 January 2005 between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the Government of Sudan ended the second war. Later a multi-sided civil war was fought in South Sudan from 2013 to 2020, with forced displacement, ethnic massacres and killings of journalists.

UN response: UNMISS

• The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was established in 2011.
• It patrolled by land, air and water and sheltered civilians on its peacekeeping bases.
• It supported the peace process and the return of refugees and internally displaced people.
• It gave lifesaving support: epidemics, malnutrition, maternal and child health.
• It supported the transition from conflict to recovery and preparations for credible elections.

UN intervention in Yemen

The Yemeni civil war is an ongoing multilateral war that began in late 2014, mainly between the Presidential Leadership Council (led by Rashad al-Alimi) and the Supreme Political Council (led by Mahdi al-Mashat); both claim to be the official government. It began in September 2014 when Houthi forces took over the capital Sanaa. According to the UN, over 150,000 people have been killed, and more than 227,000 have died because of famine and lack of basic needs.

• The UN works to prevent conflict, helps parties make peace, deploys peacekeepers and creates conditions for lasting peace.
• Since the Office of the Special Envoy was set up in 2012, the UN has supported a Yemeni-led political transition and inclusive participation of marginalized groups: women, youth, the Houthis and the Southern Hirak.
• Humanitarian funds help millions of vulnerable Yemenis and refugees.
• Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024), adopted in January 2024, demanded that all attacks in the Red Sea must stop.

UN intervention in the Central African Republic (CAR)

The CAR civil war is an ongoing conflict between the government, rebels of the Séléka coalition and Anti-balaka militias.

• Peace deals: in 2019 the Khartoum Agreement, brokered by the African Union and supported by the UN, was signed between the CAR government and 14 armed groups.
• Human rights: the UN Human Rights Council addresses abuses.
• MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission), set up on 10 April 2014, protects religious communities, promotes interfaith dialogue, protects civilians, supports the peace process and facilitates humanitarian aid.
• WFP gives food; WHO fights malnutrition and disease; UNICEF runs education programmes; UNDP supports community recovery and livelihoods.

UN intervention in AfghanistanOften examined

The United States went to war in Afghanistan in 2001 after Al-Qaeda carried out the 11 September 2001 attacks from safe havens given by its Taliban hosts. The US aimed to destroy Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban, but also sought to stop the Northern Alliance from taking control, believing its rule would alienate the Pashtun majority. In February 2020 the US and the Taliban signed the Doha Agreement: the US would withdraw all forces by May 2021.

From 2022 to 2025 Afghanistan faced major political, social and economic upheaval. After the US and NATO mission ended, the Taliban took over in 2021. The economy is fragile and poverty widespread; the rights of women and girls have been severely eroded by restrictions on education, employment and movement.

Role of the UN

• The UN has been involved in Afghanistan since 1946 and helped establish a broad-based government.
• UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) was set up by the Security Council in 2002. It managed relief, recovery and reconstruction, helped hold elections, advised on the peace process and helped carry out the Bonn Agreement.
• UNAMA monitors human rights breaches and promotes civilian protection and religious freedom so that minorities like Hazaras and Sikhs are protected from persecution; it encourages negotiations between warring parties.
• WFP gives food during conflicts and droughts; WHO promotes health care and polio eradication.
• UNICEF and other agencies support education, especially for girls and children in remote areas.
• UNDP works on poverty reduction and economic progress through sustainable development, infrastructure and empowerment.

UN and the Kashmir issueOften examined

Kashmir is one of the long-standing issues at the UN, which has been involved since 1947, shortly after partition.

UN resolutions

In 1948 India took the issue to the Security Council. Resolution 47 called for a ceasefire, withdrawal of Pakistani and Indian troops and a plebiscite so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir could decide their future. The plebiscite was never held because of India's attitude.

Human rights concerns

Reports highlight violations by Indian forces: restrictions on movement, communication blackouts and excessive force. In 2018 and 2019 the OHCHR issued reports on Kashmir calling for an independent investigation.

Mediation attempts

The UN and others have tried to mediate, but efforts were limited by India's attitude. The UN calls for peaceful dialogue. The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) was a successful mediation by the World Bank between India and Pakistan.

Humanitarian relief

UNICEF, UNHCR and other agencies help refugees and displaced persons in Kashmir.

Current situation

On 5 August 2019 India revoked Article 370 (which gave Jammu and Kashmir special autonomous status) and Article 35A (which let the local legislature define permanent residents and give them special rights). Now citizens from other Indian states have the same rights to property and jobs in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

UN and the Palestine issue

The Palestinian issue is one of the longest-standing conflicts on the UN agenda, rooted in territorial disputes, political tensions and humanitarian crises.

Peace efforts: the UN supported the Madrid Conference, the Oslo Accords and the Quartet on the Middle East (UN, US, EU and Russia).

Role of the United Nations in resolving conflicts (why Kashmir and Palestine remain unsolved)Often examined

The UN is criticized for failing to resolve the conflicts in Palestine and Kashmir, which remain unresolved despite decades of UN involvement.

Pakistan's status, role and contribution in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)Often examined

The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is a regional intergovernmental organization of countries of the Caucasus, Central Asia, South Asia and Europe (Turkiye). Pakistan is a founding member and helped shape its objectives.

Status within ECO

• Pakistan is one of the ten member states of the ECO, whose mandate is economic, technical and cultural cooperation.
• Its strategic location and economic potential make it a key player.
• The forum began as the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) in 1964, founded by Iran, Pakistan and Turkey. It was renamed ECO in 1985.

Role and contributions

Critical analysis

• Pakistan has improved trade and transport links and built stronger ties, but implementation is delayed by political barriers; members must follow through on commitments.
• Pakistan must overcome its domestic economic problems to contribute and benefit more.
• Regional tension and instability, especially in Afghanistan, affect ECO's operations.
• More investment in transport and communication networks is needed for regional trade and connectivity.

Pakistan's multifaceted involvement

Pakistan's role is extensive: trade, energy, culture and security. The ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) has its headquarters in Islamabad and promotes scientific and technological collaboration. Pakistan supports ECO railway initiatives such as the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul railway corridor. Solving implementation issues, economic inequality and political instability can bring stronger regional integration.

Pakistan's status, role and contribution to the European Union (EU)Often examined

The European Union was officially established on 1 November 1993. Pakistan is not a member, but it has a multidimensional relationship with the EU covering politics, economy, security and culture.

Overall: the relationship brings economic growth, aid and security, but Pakistan must meet international standards, improve governance and use aid well to strengthen it.

Pakistan's status, role and contribution to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)Often examined

Pakistan is a full member of the SCO and contributes to its aims of regional cooperation, security and economic development.

1. Status

Pakistan became a full member in June 2017, alongside India, at the Astana Summit. Before that it had observer status since 2005. Full membership lets it work with regional powers, especially China and Russia.

2. Strategic role

Geostrategic importance: at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, Pakistan is a bridge for BRI connectivity; CPEC shows its role in regional integration. Counter-terrorism: active in the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) against terrorism, extremism and separatism, bringing practical experience. Afghanistan: advocates a peaceful, stable Afghanistan.

3. Economic contribution

Trade and connectivity: CPEC links SCO members with other regions; Gwadar Port gives landlocked Central Asian states access to world markets. Energy: a potential transit country for pipelines such as TAPI, in line with SCO energy-security goals.

4. Diplomatic and cultural engagement

Takes part in SCO summits and working groups, promotes multilateralism, dialogue and peaceful settlement among members (including India and China); contributes to cultural programmes, tourism and heritage exchange.

On 15 to 16 October 2024, the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the SCO was held in Islamabad, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. It focused on economic and trade cooperation, environmental initiatives and socio-cultural links.

Pakistan and BRICS

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) is an important economic and political bloc of emerging markets. Pakistan is not a member, but it has shown interest in engaging with the group because of its growing global importance.

Pakistan's strategic location, strong ties with China and aims of regional connectivity and development make it a potential partner. Engagement will require solving domestic challenges and active diplomacy with BRICS members.

Impact of global monetary institutions on the development of countriesOften examined

Global monetary institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank play crucial roles in countries' economic development. They give financial help, policy advice and technical expertise to deal with macroeconomic problems. Their aims are to stabilize economies, promote sustainable growth, reduce poverty and encourage economic cooperation.

Role of the IMF

1. Financial assistance

Loans to countries facing balance of payments problems, to restore stability and market confidence and lay a base for growth.

2. Policy advice and technical assistance

Advice on economic management, fiscal and monetary policies and structural reforms; training to strengthen institutions.

3. Surveillance

Monitors global economic trends and members' policies to identify risks and give early warnings that prevent crises.

Balance of payments crisis

A situation in which a country cannot pay for its imports and foreign debt because its foreign exchange earnings are too low.

Bailout package

A loan given to a country in financial crisis to save its economy from collapse.

Austerity measures

Cuts in government spending and higher taxes to reduce a budget deficit, often a condition of IMF loans.

IMF's efforts to assist PakistanOften examined

Economic challenges in Pakistan

Pakistan faces large fiscal deficits, high inflation, a balance of payments crisis and a heavy debt burden. These are made worse by structural problems: tax evasion, low tax revenue, inefficient public enterprises, corruption and energy-sector deficiencies.

IMF programmes in Pakistan

Pakistan joined the IMF on 11 July 1950, as a new country facing fiscal problems since 1947. In 1958 it went to the IMF for a bailout for the first time. Since then the IMF has run several lending programmes to stabilize the economy and promote structural reform.

Impact of IMF assistance on Pakistan

Conclusion (book): global monetary institutions such as the IMF are essential for countries facing serious economic problems. Pakistan has relied heavily on IMF aid and policy support to resolve its crises and push reforms, but the benefit depends on its ability to implement and sustain the recommended policies.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

The OIC is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the UN, with 57 member states in four continents. It was founded at the Rabat summit (Morocco) on 25 September 1969, after the arson attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on 21 August 1969. Its original name, Organisation of the Islamic Conference, was changed to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 2011. Its General Secretariat is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Objectives

• Promote Islamic solidarity and cooperation among member states.
• Protect the holy places of Islam and support the cause of Palestine.
• Support Muslim peoples struggling for their rights and self-determination (Kashmir).
• Promote economic, social, cultural and scientific cooperation.
• Remove misunderstanding about Islam and fight Islamophobia.

Pakistan and the OIC

• Pakistan is a founding member and one of the most active members.
• Pakistan hosted the Second Islamic Summit at Lahore in February 1974, one of the most important OIC summits.
• COMSTECH (OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation) is based in Islamabad.
• The OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir regularly supports the Kashmiri right of self-determination.

Key terms

UNO

United Nations Organization, established on 24 October 1945; its fundamental aim is to maintain international peace and security.

UDHR

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948.

OHCHR

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; monitors and reports human rights violations.

ICCPR

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted on 16 December 1966, in force from 23 March 1976; ensures freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

Peacekeeping

UN missions that protect civilians, monitor ceasefires, disarm combatants and act as a buffer between opposing parties.

WFP

World Food Programme; fights hunger with emergency food aid.

WHO

World Health Organization; strengthens health systems and controls disease outbreaks.

UNESCO

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; promotes education for all, science and culture.

UNDP

United Nations Development Programme; works for poverty reduction and sustainable development.

UNCTAD

UN Conference on Trade and Development; helps countries improve trade and economic resilience.

GEFI

Global Education First Initiative, a UN initiative that prioritizes education in development goals.

UNMISS

United Nations Mission in South Sudan, established in 2011.

MINUSCA

United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, established on 10 April 2014.

UNAMA

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, established by the Security Council in 2002.

Doha Agreement

US-Taliban deal of February 2020 under which US forces were to leave Afghanistan by May 2021.

UNRWA

UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, created in 1949.

Resolution 47

UN Security Council resolution of 1948 calling for a ceasefire, troop withdrawal and a plebiscite in Kashmir.

Article 370

Article of the Indian Constitution that gave Jammu and Kashmir special autonomous status; revoked on 5 August 2019.

Article 35A

Article that let the Kashmir legislature define permanent residents and give them special rights; revoked on 5 August 2019.

Veto

The power of a permanent member of the Security Council to block a resolution.

RCD

Regional Cooperation for Development, founded in 1964 by Iran, Pakistan and Turkey; renamed ECO in 1985.

ECO

Economic Cooperation Organization, a ten-member regional organization for economic, technical and cultural cooperation.

ECOTA

ECO Trade Agreement, which aims to lower tariff and non-tariff barriers among ECO members.

ECOSF

ECO Science Foundation, headquartered in Islamabad.

CASA-1000

Central Asia-South Asia electricity project to transfer electricity from Central Asia to South Asia.

GSP+

Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, EU trade status that boosts Pakistan's exports if it complies with international conventions.

Strategic Engagement Plan

Pakistan-EU agreement of June 2019 to build a partnership on shared values.

SCO

Shanghai Cooperation Organization; Pakistan became a full member in June 2017 (observer since 2005).

RATS

Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the SCO.

BRICS

Bloc of emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

IMF

International Monetary Fund; gives loans for balance of payments problems, policy advice and surveillance. Pakistan joined on 11 July 1950.

Surveillance (IMF)

IMF monitoring of global trends and members' policies to give early warning of crises.

Austerity measures

Spending cuts and tax rises imposed to reduce deficits, often as IMF conditions.

OIC

Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 57 Muslim states, founded in 1969 at Rabat; secretariat in Jeddah.

Integration

The process of combining two or more things in an effective way (glossary).

Collaboration

Working with someone to produce something; alliance (glossary).

Prerequisite

A necessary condition; required (glossary).

Conducive

Good for; helpful to (glossary).

Marginalized

Treated as insignificant or peripheral (glossary).

FBISE 2026 questions

Questions from the FBISE HSSC-II 2026 (1st Annual) papers that belong to this unit, answered the way an examiner expects.

Exam focus

1. Positive and negative impacts of IMF assistance for Pakistan. (long)
   8-mark question in 2026 Set B and a book long question; the IMF table and dates (1950, 1958) give MCQs.
   Go to answer
2. Pakistan's status, role and contribution in the EU. (long)
   8-mark question in 2026 Set D and an SLO.
   Go to answer
3. Pakistan's status, role and contribution in the ECO. (long)
   SLO topic with two book short questions (role, objectives) and the RCD 1964 MCQ.
   Go to answer
4. Why the UN has not solved Kashmir and Palestine. (long)
   Book long question; links with Unit 11's Kashmir conflict.
   Go to answer
5. Pakistan's role in the SCO. (long)
   Book long question with clear dates (observer 2005, member 2017, Islamabad meeting 2024).
   Go to answer
6. UN's role in the welfare of developing and conflict-affected countries. (long)
   First SLO; three 2026 MCQs asked about WHO, UNDP and UNESCO.
   Go to answer
7. UN's role in Afghanistan (UNAMA). (long)
   Book long question.
   Go to answer
8. OIC is essential for the Muslim world. (long)
   Book long question not covered by the text; learn the key facts.
   Go to answer
9. OHCHR, ICCPR and CASA-1000. (short)
   Three book short questions of the definition type.
   Go to answer
10. Why Pakistan depends on the IMF and why the bailout is essential. (short)
    Two book short questions.
    Go to answer