Tackling Socio-Economic Deficits Only Way to Ensure Stability, Democratic

Consolidation in Pakistan, Secretary-General Tells Group of Friends

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s remarks at a summit meeting of the Group of Friends of Democratic Pakistan, in New York, 24 September:

I welcome this timely meeting of the Group of Friends of Democratic Pakistan.  I am also glad to note the many additional States and international organizations that have joined the Group since it was established one year ago.

Let me start by acknowledging the leadership of President [Asif Ali] Zardari.  He recognizes Pakistan’s challenges and believes in the role this Group of Friends can play.  We are all keenly aware of the serious challenges that confront the Government and people of Pakistan in its quest for stability and prosperity.

Civilians and military personnel have sacrificed much in the struggle against violent extremism.  The hardship visited on the North-West Frontier Province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas calls for the continued solidarity of the international community.  We must support humanitarian relief, recovery activities and the lasting transformation of these regions.

With that in mind, I have appointed Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert as Special Envoy for Assistance to Pakistan.  He will help mobilize international support and coordinate efforts so displacement can end, people can return to their homes and stability can be achieved.

In this respect, the strategy for peacebuilding in the Malakand Division of the North-West Frontier Province offers a good example of the kind of meaningful partnership that the Government and the Group of Friends can forge together.  I am glad the Government of Pakistan and the Group of Friends are now bringing a wider perspective to this effort.  Long-term stability and democratic consolidation will be achieved only if deep-seated economic and social deficits are addressed.

A focus on the ailing energy sector is an appropriate start. I hope that, as envisaged in the ministerial meeting of the Friends in New York last year, strong partnerships can also be built around development, the security sector and other national priorities.  My Special Adviser to the Group of Friends, Jean Arnault, will continue to work for consensus on these issues.

Pakistan is fortunate that it is blessed with a resourceful business sector, a vibrant civil society and leaders at local and national level who are determined to use the return to civilian rule to achieve a positive transformation.  I am glad the Government and the Group of Friends have begun to reach out more systematically to non-governmental actors.  Success rests largely on their participation.

Pakistan faces severe tests on many fronts.  In particular, it bears the burden of one of the major challenges of our times, the spread of violent extremism, with regional implications.  The decision of the Government of Pakistan and the Group of Friends to confront it together is undoubtedly the right course, however demanding the struggle ahead may be.

The United Nations will continue to assist the Government of Pakistan and the Group of Friends during these trying times.

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For information media • not an official record