With the beginning of the new year, Pakistan will assume the responsibilities of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the eighth time for 2 years.
Pakistan’s non-permanent membership of the Security Council will provide Pakistan with an opportunity to discuss important international issues, but it also faces significant difficulties.
It should be noted that Pakistan has been elected as a non-permanent member of the 15-member Security Council for the eighth time. In June, Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council with a large majority. Out of the 193 member states of the General Assembly, 182 countries voted for Pakistan, which was far more than the 124 votes required for a two-thirds majority.
Pakistan now holds one of the two Asia-Pacific seats on the United Nations Security Council. Pakistan will chair the Security Council in July, which is an important opportunity to set the agenda and promote dialogue.
Pakistan will also get a seat on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, which is responsible for designating individuals and groups affiliated with these organizations as terrorists and imposing sanctions.
It is also a rare opportunity for Pakistan to highlight the long-standing ties between Al-Qaeda and ISIS, which have been operating across the border from Afghanistan.
While veto power in the Security Council is held by only permanent members, non-permanent members have significant influence in the terrorism sanctions committees as decisions are made by consensus under established rules.
However, the fractious state of global politics and the growing divisions within the Council could test Islamabad’s ability to advance its diplomatic priorities.
