Pakistan's month at the helm of UN Security Council

Arab News

3 days ago

https://arab.news/ytzdm
Pakistan, a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council, assumed the presidency of the council in July. This was not just another rotation of a customary role. It was a demonstration of what principled, proactive and inclusive leadership looks like at a time of great global turbulence. By firmly placing the focus on multilateralism, respect for international law and the pacific settlement of disputes, Pakistan steered the council's work with clarity of purpose and a sense of urgency.
That Pakistan was able to deliver concrete results reflects the strength of its diplomatic credentials. This is the eighth time that Pakistan has been elected by the UN membership to serve on the Security Council as a nonpermanent member. There is a long tradition of excellence and leadership that the Pakistani delegation has been able to draw from. From peacekeeping to peacebuilding, Pakistan has always remained a forceful voice calling for dialogue and diplomacy, championing the rights of the unrepresented, underprivileged and marginalized.
From Day 1, Pakistan's approach has been anchored in its long-standing commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. As president, Pakistan's brief to the council was rooted in familiar themes: upholding transparency, remaining constructive, and promoting cooperation to deliver the fundamental elements of the UNSC's mandate. Pakistan effectively used both formal and informal spaces to press for concrete outcomes.
From peacekeeping to peacebuilding, Pakistan has always remained a forceful voice calling for dialogue and diplomacy.
Ahmad Farooq
Pakistan convened two signature events during its month-long presidency. The first was the high-level open debate on 'Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Dispute,' chaired by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Ishaq Dar. The meeting underscored the UN's collective commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and greater utilization of the tools available in the UN Charter to address various ongoing challenges. The Security Council also adopted by consensus the Pakistan-sponsored Resolution 2788 that reflected this common objective.
The second key event was a briefing on the collaboration between the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, also chaired by Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister. The briefing contributed to amplifying the Islamic world's collective voice at the UN. It also resulted in a presidential statement calling for deeper and more structured engagement between the two organizations. This initiative reflected Pakistan's long-standing belief that regional organizations are indispensable partners in achieving peace and stability.
Both these marquee events, as well as the open debate of the UNSC on the Middle East and the Palestinian question organized by the Pakistani presidency, provided an ample opportunity for UN member states to highlight the plight of the people of Gaza, who are braving the worst atrocities in recent memory at the hands of an occupying power. These formal meetings augmented pro-Palestinian voices and gave them a platform to urge for more concrete and urgent efforts to end the genocide in Gaza.
Pakistan was able to leverage its leadership role to shine a spotlight on the plight of the besieged people of Gaza.
Ahmad Farooq
The Palestinian cause has always been a top priority for Pakistan. It is a sacred trust for every Pakistani diplomat, not only in the UNSC but around the world. Notwithstanding the obvious deadlock in the council, Pakistan was able to leverage its leadership role to shine a spotlight on the plight of the besieged people of Gaza.
In his official pronouncements, Dar insisted on three urgent priorities: an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access and the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law. We also lobbied, together with other like-minded countries, and coordinated closely with Saudi Arabia and members of the Joint Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee to further the case for Palestinian rights, including the early establishment of an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state based on internationally agreed parameters. Both within the council's hallowed chamber, as well as during numerous closed-door consultations, Pakistan's message has remained clear and unambiguous: silence in the face of suffering is complicity.
Pakistan's leadership of the UNSC offered a timely reminder that multilateralism remains the most reliable way to address our collective challenges — both imminent and distant. Pakistan's focus was not on picking sides but on building bridges. We are committed to remaining the leading voice in support of dialogue and diplomacy, especially in cases of foreign occupation and the denial of fundamental human rights. Along with other members of the council, as well as our regional and international partners, Pakistan will continue its efforts to preserve and promote international peace and security, focusing on international law and the UN Charter.
• Ahmad Farooq is Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia.