Pakistan's UN abstention surprises Morocco

The recent vote by Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council has left many Moroccans taken aback. Islamabad's decision to abstain from voting on Resolution 2797 came as a surprise, especially in light of the historically warm relations between Morocco and Pakistan. Just last May, the Pakistani ambassador in Rabat announced a «review» of his country's stance on the Sahara issue.

In recent months, Morocco's Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, engaged in diplomatic discussions with his Pakistani counterpart. Their first meeting took place in September during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, followed by a phone conversation on October 22, which focused on the Sahara issue and strengthening bilateral ties.

Pakistan's representative at the Security Council defended the abstention, labeling the resolution as «unbalanced» and arguing that it failed to adequately represent the perspectives of all parties involved.

In a development that may have swayed Islamabad's decision, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf reached out to his Pakistani counterpart via phone on October 29, just two days before the crucial Security Council vote. This eleventh-hour communication appears to have played a role in shaping Pakistan's final position.