Pakistan Begins Two-Year Term on UNSC, Secures Spot on Terror Sanctions Committee
Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan has begun its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on January 1. Ambassador Munir Akram expressed that Pakistan's role will be both "active and constructive" in addressing global challenges. He emphasized that Pakistan’s presence will be significant on the council. Pakistan now holds one of the two Asia-Pacific seats on the UNSC, having replaced Japan. This marks Pakistan's eighth time serving on the 15-member council. Pakistan will also have the chance to preside over the council in July, giving it an opportunity to influence the agenda and facilitate important discussions.
In the June election, Pakistan achieved a decisive victory, securing 182 votes out of 193 in the General Assembly, far surpassing the required majority of 124 votes. Ambassador Akram highlighted that Pakistan is entering the council during a period of significant geopolitical instability, with competition between major powers, ongoing conflicts across various regions and rising arms races. He added that Pakistan, as the fifth largest country by population, would focus on preventing wars, resolving disputes peacefully and managing the impacts of great power rivalries and terrorism. Pakistan replaces Japan which previously held the Asian seat on the council and joins other new members such as Denmark, Greece, Panama and Somalia, who will serve alongside the five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China the United Kingdom and France.
The other current non-permanent members are Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia. In addition to its role on the UNSC, Pakistan has also gained a crucial seat on the Islamic State and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee. This committee focuses on designating individuals and groups linked to these terrorist organizations and imposing sanctions. This position provides Pakistan with a platform to address the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, involving groups with ties to both ISIS and Al Qaeda. While permanent members retain veto power, non-permanent members like Pakistan can still exert considerable influence within the sanctions committees where decisions are made by consensus. However, the increasing polarization within the UNSC and the current state of global politics may present challenges in advancing Pakistan's diplomatic goals.
