Former Pakistani senator and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader retired Lieutenant General Abdul Qayyum called for restructuring the United Nations to make it more effective and impartial. Speaking at an event organized by Universal Peace Federation UK, he said veto powers held by a few Security Council countries and limited representation of different continents and the Muslim world hinder the organization’s neutral functioning.

Qayyum acknowledged the UN’s commendable work in peacekeeping, health, education, climate change and refugee issues. However, he said its effectiveness remains limited when member states fail to implement the UN Charter and its resolutions. He cited arms races, undeclared nuclear weapons, political repression and serious human rights violations, while also referring to the situations in Palestine and Kashmir.

He emphasized geopolitical realities, the global balance of power and practical diplomacy, urging states not to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs. Qayyum said smaller states’ security should rest on international law rather than a major power’s military strength. He also called for dialogue, mediation, arms control, poverty reduction, education, human rights and fair access to international waterways, energy and mineral resources.