Pakistan has underscored that preventing armed conflicts through preventive diplomacy, mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter remains the most effective way of protecting women and girls from the devastating consequences of war.

The call was made by Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, while delivering a statement at the Security Council's open debate on "Women, Peace and Security in the Next Quarter-Century: Fulfilling the Promise through Implementation".

He urged the UN Security Council to address the root causes of conflicts, including prolonged foreign occupation and denial of the right to self-determination, while ensuring women's meaningful participation in peace efforts.

Recalling the 26th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325, Ambassador Usman Jadoon said that, despite significant normative progress, a troubling gap persists between international commitments and the realities confronting women in conflict situations.

He stressed the need to move beyond commitments towards effective implementation and measurable results on the ground.

Ambassador Usman Jadoon highlighted Pakistani women's contributions to UN peacekeeping and called for progress across the four pillars of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

He also stressed sustainable financing, accountability and safeguards against technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to women's full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery.