WASHINGTON: On the first day of the new year, Pakistan begins a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), entering a complex global landscape.
This is Pakistan’s eighth term on the council, providing the opportunity to shape debates on key international issues, but also posing significant challenges.
Elected in June to replace Japan, Pakistan now holds one of two Asia-Pacific seats on the United Nations Security Council. He will chair the council in July, a key opportunity to set the agenda and foster dialogue.
Pakistan will also get a seat on the Islamic State and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, responsible for designating individuals and groups associated with these organizations as terrorists and imposing sanctions.
The country will chair the UN Security Council in July and will also secure a seat on the IS and Al Qaeda sanctions committee.
This will be a valuable opportunity for Pakistan to highlight cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan by groups with long-standing associations with the Islamic State militant group and Al Qaeda.
While only permanent members have veto power in the council, non-permanent members exercise significant influence on terrorism-related sanctions committees, as decisions are made by consensus according to established rules.
However, the fractured state of global politics and growing polarization within the council may test Islamabad’s ability to navigate its diplomatic priorities.
Global and regional challenges
Pakistan’s rule coincides with heightened tensions in conflict zones such as Gaza, controlled Kashmir and Syria.
His long-standing support for Palestine and his defense of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination are expected to feature prominently. However, these efforts face entrenched geopolitical obstacles.
For example, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, emphasized the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access and accountability for civilian casualties. While he reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to a two-state solution, he acknowledged “the challenge of overcoming divisions within the Council,” where veto powers frequently derail consensus.
Similarly, Pakistan’s efforts to revive the Kashmir dispute, one of the oldest issues on the UN Security Council agenda, face obstacles. Ambassador Akram said: “We will continue to highlight the plight of Kashmiris and press for concrete action from the international community.”
However, India’s growing global influence and weak international response to Kashmir complicate Islamabad’s defense.
Emerging conflicts, limited influence
Beyond its regional priorities, Pakistan’s stance on the Syrian conflict reflects its commitment to Syrian sovereignty and a political solution. Ambassador Akram highlighted Pakistan’s support for “a peace process led by Syria and facilitated by the UN.”
However, with great powers dominating the dynamics of the conflict, Islamabad’s ability to determine outcomes remains limited.
The challenge for Pakistan lies in balancing its principled positions with the realities of limited influence in conflicts where power dynamics overshadow multilateral diplomacy.
Multilateralism
Pakistan’s broader agenda includes advocating for UNSC reforms to make the body more representative and accountable. Islamabad opposes the addition of new permanent members and instead favors an expansion in the non-permanent category.
“Regular elections and rotation are essential for a democratic council,” Ambassador Akram reiterated. This stance aligns with smaller nations seeking equitable global governance, but also reflects Pakistan’s strategic interests in avoiding permanent rivalries on the council.
Opportunities, limitations
Pakistan’s eighth term in the United Nations Security Council underlines its contributions to peacekeeping and its commitment to multilateralism. As one of the five non-permanent member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Islamabad’s role as a voice of the Muslim world is significant.
However, polarization within the council and the competing interests of major powers will also test the ability of OIC nations to make progress in promoting their interests.
While Pakistan aims to use its mandate to highlight regional issues, including Kashmir, and global concerns such as Palestine, its success depends on its diplomatic agility and ability to build consensus in a divided council. This mandate offers an opportunity to improve its global position, but the challenges it faces are equally daunting.
Ambassador Akram summed up Pakistan’s aspirations: “We look forward to working closely with other members of the UN Security Council and the rest of the UN membership to uphold the UN Charter and promote peace.” The next two years will determine how effectively Islamabad can translate these aspirations into tangible achievements on the world stage.
Published in Dawn, January 1, 2025
