Pakistan embarks on eighth UNSC term as non-permanent member

Pakistan has started its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), marking the eighth time it has held this position. Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, outlined the country’s priorities for its term.

"Our presence will be felt in the Security Council," Akram told the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

"We enter the council at a time of great geopolitical turbulence, intense competition between the two largest powers, raging wars in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and elsewhere, and a sharply escalating and multi-dimensional arms race," he added.

Pakistan secured its seat in June with 182 votes from the 193-member General Assembly, far exceeding the required two-thirds majority of 124 votes.

The country replaced Japan in the Asian seat and joined Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia as new members for the 2025-2026 term.

Foreign Ministry marks membership

A reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commemorated the milestone. Diplomats from the UNSC member states and senior officials attended the event.

“Elected for an eighth time, Pakistan brings to the Security Council a rich legacy of experience and an unwavering commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter,” Senator Dar said. He further highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.

Ambassador Akram also outlined Pakistan’s objectives, stating, “As a responsible state — the fifth largest by population — Pakistan will play an active and constructive role, in accordance with the UN Charter, to halt wars, promote the pacific settlement of disputes, and contain the negative impacts of great power rivalries, the arms race, and the spreading scourge of terrorism.”

'Bridge divides, foster consensus'

The UNSC includes five permanent members with veto power (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France) and 10 non-permanent members. Pakistan’s election alongside Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia demonstrates its diplomatic standing. Effectively half of the elected members are from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Senator Dar expressed appreciation for the international community’s support, stating, “We look forward to working constructively with all UNSC members to bridge divides, foster consensus, and uphold the council’s mandate in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.”

Pakistan’s earlier terms on the council were in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, 1968-69, and 1952-53.