Dr Bilawal Kamran

On January 1, 2025, Pakistan began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Comprising five permanent members—the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms, the UNSC plays a pivotal role in global governance. Pakistan’s current tenure will extend through 2026, but while the non-permanent membership offers limited authority—especially without veto power—it is a crucial platform for advancing Pakistan’s international interests, particularly in terms of regional stability and security.

The UNSC is the most influential body in the global order, possessing the ability to make legally binding decisions and authorize the use of force or sanctions against states. Despite being excluded from veto rights, which rest solely with the permanent members, Pakistan’s membership on the UNSC presents valuable opportunities. Most notably, in July 2025, Pakistan will assume the presidency of the Council, rotating based on alphabetical order. This presidency provides Pakistan the power to set the Council’s agenda, giving the nation a chance to prioritize key issues and influence global discussions.

Additionally, Pakistan’s role on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, tasked with designating terrorist groups and imposing sanctions, is of considerable importance. Given Pakistan’s own history with being placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list for terrorism-related concerns, this position offers Pakistan a critical opportunity to steer the narrative around global anti-terrorism efforts. Having previously been scrutinized for terror financing, Pakistan’s participation in shaping sanctions may allow the country to influence global standards and perceptions.

Pakistan’s foreign policy has often centered on advocating for the rights of oppressed nations, particularly in the context of Kashmir, and supporting the right to self-determination. The country has also stressed its commitment to promoting a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. These are longstanding priorities for Pakistan, and its position on the UNSC can bring these issues into sharper focus on the global stage. The country’s alternate permanent representative to the UN has emphasized that Pakistan will continue to be a strong advocate for people under foreign occupation, aligning with its historical stance on Kashmir and broader regional stability issues.

However, there are critics who question the tangible impact of Pakistan’s UNSC term. They argue that the international order is inherently skewed to favor Western powers, and the structure of the UNSC—rooted in post-World War II realities—remains outdated and unrepresentative of the current global geopolitical landscape. The permanent members of the UNSC are often seen as gatekeepers, with their veto power enabling them to block decisions that may challenge their strategic or economic interests.

While the UNSC system may be flawed, Pakistan’s participation in the Council provides an opportunity to highlight the concerns of developing nations, often referred to as the Global South. As the world order shifts, with challenges to the Western-centric model becoming increasingly evident, Pakistan’s voice on the UNSC can help redirect global discourse towards issues that affect poorer, marginalized nations.

The importance of highlighting the struggles faced by countries in the Global South cannot be overstated. Many countries in this group have historically struggled to have their concerns addressed in global forums. Issues such as economic inequality, climate change, and the right to self-determination often remain sidelined, overshadowed by the interests of more powerful nations. Pakistan’s role in the UNSC allows it to bring these matters to the forefront, creating space for dialogue on pressing global challenges that disproportionately impact less-developed nations.

Pl subscribe to the YouTube channel of republicpolicy.com for quality content.

Although Pakistan’s influence on the UNSC is limited by the lack of veto power, the country’s active participation in shaping global agendas is still significant. By drawing attention to issues that are important to the Global South—such as the ongoing situation in Kashmir, Afghanistan’s stability, and the wider fight against terrorism—Pakistan ensures that these topics remain in the international spotlight. This is crucial in a time when global political dynamics are rapidly evolving.

While focusing on these issues may not immediately resolve them, remaining engaged in international discussions ensures that Pakistan’s voice is heard. By setting the agenda in the UNSC, Pakistan can amplify the concerns of developing nations and work towards creating a more inclusive global system that accounts for the unique challenges faced by these countries.

Pakistan’s current term on the UNSC, while limited in duration, offers a unique opportunity to strengthen its global influence and protect its national interests. By assuming the presidency of the UNSC in July 2025, Pakistan will have the chance to lead discussions on key issues and steer the direction of the Council’s deliberations. The role of the ISIS and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee also provides Pakistan with a chance to refine global anti-terrorism policies in a way that could benefit its own security concerns.

Yet, Pakistan must navigate the complexities of the UNSC’s decision-making process, recognizing that the geopolitical landscape remains largely controlled by the permanent members. While advocating for the rights of oppressed nations is a noble goal, Pakistan must also be realistic about its ability to effect change within the existing power structure.

Ultimately, Pakistan’s UNSC membership is not an end in itself, but rather a platform to engage with the global community, highlight critical issues, and build alliances that can shape the future of international governance. By leveraging this opportunity, Pakistan can remain a vocal and influential player in global diplomacy while continuing to fight for the interests of its people and the broader Global South.