On January 1, 2025, Pakistan commenced its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), marking another chapter in its engagement with global governance. The UNSC, widely regarded as the most powerful political body in the international order, comprises five permanent members with veto power— the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia— and ten non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms. With five non-permanent members replaced annually, Pakistan’s current term will extend until the end of 2026.
Although non-permanent members do not possess veto power, their presence on the Council is significant, offering a platform to influence global policies and decisions. The UNSC has far-reaching powers, including the ability to make legally binding resolutions, impose sanctions, and authorize military interventions. Essentially, global consensus on critical security issues often hinges on UNSC approval. Pakistan’s role in this influential body highlights its ongoing efforts to remain an active player on the international stage.
A key moment during Pakistan’s tenure will come in July 2025, when it assumes the rotating presidency of the Council. This role, determined alphabetically among member states, allows the presiding nation to set the Council’s agenda, providing Pakistan with an opportunity to spotlight its priorities. Additionally, Pakistan will secure a seat on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, tasked with designating terrorist entities and imposing sanctions. This appointment is particularly relevant given Pakistan’s historical challenges with terrorism and financial scrutiny, such as being placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list three times, most recently from 2018 to 2022.
This UNSC term also offers Pakistan a chance to address broader geopolitical and regional concerns. According to Pakistan’s alternate permanent representative to the UN, the nation aims to advocate for peoples under occupation, champion the right to self-determination, and work towards a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, rooted in UN resolutions, is likely to feature prominently in its advocacy during its term.
Skeptics argue that Pakistan’s tenure may yield limited tangible outcomes, given the systemic imbalance favoring the permanent members and the Western-dominated global order. The current UNSC structure, established during the post-World War II era, is often criticized for being outdated and unrepresentative of modern geopolitical realities. However, Pakistan’s position on the Council is an opportunity to amplify the voices of countries in the Global South and draw attention to pressing issues like climate change, poverty, and regional instability.
While systemic inequities in global governance remain a challenge, Pakistan’s presence on the UNSC underscores its commitment to international diplomacy and highlights its aspirations to influence global discourse. By leveraging its position, Pakistan can bring its domestic and regional issues to the forefront, ensuring they remain part of the global conversation.
Shafaqna Pakistan
pakistan.shafaqna.com
Note: Shafaqna do not endorse the views expressed in the article
