Pakistan Appointed to Key UN Security Council Committees

Pakistan Secures Key Positions in UN Security Council Committees in Major Diplomatic Achievement

In a landmark diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan has been appointed Vice Chair of the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) — a move that highlights the country’s growing influence in global counterterrorism policymaking and its active role within the UN system.

The Counter-Terrorism Committee, established under UNSC Resolution 1373 (2001) following the 9/11 attacks, is tasked with monitoring how UN member states implement measures to prevent and combat terrorism worldwide.

Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN Security Council hailed the appointment as “an international recognition of Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and its constructive role in the international community.”

Pakistan to Chair Taliban Sanctions Committee

Alongside its new role in the CTC, the United Nations Security Council appointed Pakistan as Chair of the Committee established under Resolution 1988 (2011), which oversees the implementation of sanctions against the Taliban. The committee is responsible for enforcing travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes on individuals and entities threatening peace in Afghanistan. Guyana and Russia will serve as vice-chairs of this committee.

Co-Chair of Two Key Working Groups

Pakistan’s diplomatic portfolio has further expanded with its appointment as Co-Chair of two Informal Working Groups of the Security Council:

• The IWG on Documentation and Working Methods, which works to make UNSC operations more transparent, inclusive, and efficient.
• The IWG on Sanctions, which focuses on improving the design and impact of UN sanctions regimes.

These appointments come as Pakistan begins its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2025–2026 period. The country secured 182 votes in the 193-member General Assembly election in June 2024, well above the required two-thirds majority.

Timing Amid Regional Tensions

Pakistan’s rise in UN leadership roles comes amid heightened tensions with India following a militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the attack — a charge strongly denied by Islamabad. Which called for an impartial international investigation and pointed to evidence of Indian-backed militants operating inside Pakistan.

The confrontation quickly escalated into a brief military conflict. However, tensions eased after U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire. The agreement was reached on May 10, 2025.

Pakistani officials have consistently highlighted the country’s status as one of the worst victims of terrorism. Pakistan have lost more than 80,000 lives over two decades. Islamabad has also accused India of sponsoring terror groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) — claims India denies.

A Platform for Global Leadership

Pakistan will preside over the Security Council in July 2025. Therefore, this offers a unique opportunity. Consequently, Pakistan can shape international discussions on pressing global issues. Specifically, these include Gaza, Syria, Afghanistan, and Kashmir.

Speaking to the media following the announcement, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, emphasized that the appointments reflect the trust of the international community. Moreover, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to global peace and diplomacy. “Pakistan will continue to promote peace, uphold international law, and advocate for the rights of oppressed peoples, including in Palestine and Kashmir,” he stated.

UNSC Elections: New Members Announced

The United Nations General Assembly recently elected five new countries to the Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. These countries are Bahrain, Colombia, Latvia, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Consequently, they will replace Algeria, South Korea, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia.

Conclusion:
Moreover, Pakistan’s rise in key UNSC committees highlights its expanding diplomatic role in global terrorism, sanctions, and peacekeeping policies. These roles offer Islamabad a powerful platform to represent regional concerns and contribute to international peace and security.