Islamabad Takes Helm of UN Security Council for July Term

News Desk 

Islamabad: Pakistan took over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday, marking its first leadership of the Council since 2013 and its eighth overall term on the 15-member body.

Islamabad began its current two-year tenure as a non-permanent member in January 2025, which will continue until the end of 2026. 

While the presidency rotates monthly and carries no executive authority, it allows the presiding country to shape the Council’s agenda and facilitate dialogue on global peace and security.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan assumes the presidency with “humility and a firm commitment” to the principles of the UN Charter. In a statement on social media, Dar stressed that the world is witnessing a period of intensifying conflicts and humanitarian crises.

As part of its responsibilities, Dar will chair two high-level sessions this month, including the quarterly open debate on the situation in Palestine — a meeting expected to draw global focus amid the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, emphasized the significance of this opportunity, saying the Council faces an era of “severe uncertainty, escalating conflicts, and complex geopolitical challenges.”

He said Pakistan would steer the Council with a balanced and principled approach, promoting transparency, inclusiveness, and effective decision-making.

“We are determined to strengthen the multilateral system and foster cooperation among member states,” Ambassador Ahmed noted. “Our goal is to support collective and timely actions aligned with the UN Charter and the shared aspirations of the global community.”

Pakistan’s leadership comes at a critical juncture for the international system, with ongoing wars, diplomatic tensions, and increasing demands for reform within the UN framework.