Pakistan has commenced its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2025-26 period. The Pakistani flag was installed in front of the UNSC chamber at the UN Headquarters in New York, marking the beginning of this term. Pakistan, elected in June to replace Japan, now holds one of the two Asia-Pacific seats on the UNSC and will preside over the council in July.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Alternate Permanent Representative, installed the flag during the ceremony. Pakistan will also have a seat on the ISIS and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, responsible for designating individuals and groups as terrorists and imposing sanctions.
The UNSC, comprising 15 members, includes five permanent members: Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States. The 10 non-permanent seats are allocated by geographic region, with five replaced each year. The UNSC is tasked with maintaining international peace and security, making legally binding decisions, and has the power to impose sanctions and authorize the use of force.
Ambassador Ahmad emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Charter’s principles, including the maintenance of international peace and security and the development of friendly relations among nations. He reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to being a strong voice for peoples under foreign occupation and oppression and the realization of their right to self-determination.