Pakistan has officially commenced its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2025-26. This significant milestone was marked by the installation of Pakistan’s national flag in front of the UNSC chamber at the UN Headquarters in New York. The country replaced Japan as a member and is one of the two Asia-Pacific representatives on the UNSC for the current term.
Flag Installation Ceremony
On Wednesday, January 3, 2025, Pakistan began its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, following its election in June 2024. The installation of flags of the five new members — Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia — was a part of the ceremony held at the UNSC stakeout at the UN Headquarters. The outgoing members, Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, completed their terms on December 31, 2024.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the UN, took part in the flag installation ceremony, marking the country’s entry into this important role on the global stage.
Pakistan’s Role in the UNSC
In addition to its general membership on the UNSC, Pakistan will assume a seat on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee. This committee plays a key role in designating individuals and groups as terrorists and enforcing sanctions.
The UNSC comprises 15 members, five of which are permanent (Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States), while the remaining ten non-permanent members rotate every two years. These non-permanent seats are allocated based on geographic regions, and Pakistan will work alongside its fellow members to influence critical decisions affecting international peace and security.
Challenges and Responsibilities
Pakistan’s participation in the UNSC comes at a time when the body is facing numerous complex global challenges. As a member, Pakistan has a responsibility to actively contribute to the UNSC’s efforts in maintaining peace and security worldwide. The UNSC has the authority to make binding decisions, impose sanctions, and even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the core principles of the United Nations Charter, including the maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of equal rights and self-determination for all nations. He emphasized that Pakistan would remain a strong voice for peoples under foreign occupation and oppression, advocating for the realization of their right to self-determination.
Pakistan’s Vision for Global Peace
In his address at the UNSC ceremony, Ambassador Ahmad expressed Pakistan’s belief in cooperative multilateralism as the best approach to addressing the world’s complex issues. He stressed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and confidence-building efforts at both regional and global levels to reduce tensions, prevent conflict, and promote sustainable peace.
Pakistan aims to work closely with other UNSC members to address the root causes of longstanding conflicts, prioritize peaceful solutions, and make optimal use of tools such as conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding. The goal is to achieve lasting peace and stability through the effective implementation of UNSC decisions.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s election to the UNSC marks an important opportunity for the country to influence global peace and security discussions. With a firm commitment to upholding the UN Charter and international law, Pakistan is poised to work with fellow UNSC members in addressing global challenges, particularly in regions affected by conflict and instability. Pakistan’s determination to contribute to a peaceful and secure world underscores its role as an active player in international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.