Kumar Bahukhandi
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar Ahmed -Photo- Reuters
Pakistan was elected as a temporary member of the United Nations Security Council in January this year. The presidency of the council rotates monthly among its 15 member countries. Apart from 10 temporary members, the council has 5 permanent members.
Pakistan has got the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of July 2025 from Tuesday. The presidency of the Security Council is part of Pakistan’s two-year term as a temporary member of the Council which began in January 2025. Pakistan got 182 out of 193 votes to become a temporary member of the UNSC.
The presidency of the Council rotates monthly among its 15 member countries in alphabetical order and in this order Pakistan has got the presidency of the UNSC. Regarding the presidency of the UNSC, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement, ‘Pakistan will fulfill this responsibility with a deep sense of humility and conviction. Our approach will be based on the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter, respect for international law and firm commitment to taking everyone along.’ Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, while talking to Pakistan’s official news agency Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), said, “Pakistan’s presidency will be transparent, inclusive and accountable.”
Ambassador Iftikhar Ahmed will preside over all the major global issues of the Council to be held in July. He said that he is fully aware of the difficult times of the world, increasing instability, threats to international peace and security, increasing conflicts and deepening humanitarian crises.
The Pakistani ambassador has already met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and briefed him about the Council’s program in July.
The Pakistani envoy said, “As a country that has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy, Pakistan brings a principled and balanced approach to the work of the Security Council. We look forward to working together with all members in accordance with our primary responsibility under the UN Charter and the expectations of UN membership.”
Pakistan to hold two signing events during Presidency
A statement issued by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry further said that the Presidency will hold two high-level signing events during July – a debate on promoting international peace and security through peaceful resolution of disputes on July 22 and a dialogue on cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Islamic Cooperation on July 24.
It said that both the meetings will be chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who will also chair a three-month open debate on the Palestine issue on July 23.
Pakistan has previously been a member of the United Nations Security Council seven times – in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, 1968-69 and 1952-53.
At the same time, if we talk about India, India has been elected as a temporary member of the United Nations Security Council 8 times – 2021-2022, 2011-2012, 1991-1992, 1984.1985, 1977-1978, 1972-1973, 1967-1968, 1950-1951.
