Editorial #1 Pakistan at the UNSC, the points of its compass
Pakistan at the UNSC: Points of Focus and Strategic Implications
Introduction
On January 1, 2025, Pakistan will assume its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the eighth time, representing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) alongside other member nations. The incoming cohort of elected members—Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia—joins the current members Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia for the 2025–26 term. This term is set to influence not only Pakistan’s regional diplomacy but also global peace and security strategies.
Key Focus Areas for Pakistan at the UNSC
- Afghanistan and the Taliban
Pakistan is expected to prioritize Afghanistan, aiming to mend ties with the Taliban regime. It will likely collaborate with Russia and China to facilitate the Taliban’s diplomatic rehabilitation. This engagement highlights Pakistan’s strategy of aligning with powerful allies to address regional security concerns. - Middle East and the Gaza Ceasefire
Pakistan, supported by OIC nations, will likely advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing its commitment to stabilizing the region and salvaging the Palestinian cause. The collective voice of OIC members in the UNSC could press for enhanced humanitarian measures in conflict zones. - Peacekeeping Operations
A traditional priority, Pakistan may underline its contributions as one of the largest troop-contributing nations to UN peacekeeping missions. This will reinforce its credentials as a stabilizing actor in global peace efforts. - Combatting Terrorism
Pakistan’s stated priority of combatting terrorism may be aimed at countering its designation as a “terrorist state.” However, this agenda also poses challenges, as Pakistan’s track record in counter-terrorism is under scrutiny, particularly concerning UNSC Resolution 1267, which lists Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). - Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
Pakistan will likely use its platform to internationalize the Kashmir issue. Previous attempts to discuss J&K in the UNSC, such as post-India’s abrogation of Article 370, have seen limited traction. While Pakistan may leverage China’s support, the P-5’s disinterest in revisiting this matter diminishes the likelihood of substantive outcomes. - Islamophobia as a Diplomatic Tool
Pakistan, with backing from the OIC, has pushed for the inclusion of Islamophobia in discussions on global counter-terrorism. This could shape UNSC debates, especially with rising far-right ideologies globally, but also risks diluting broader counter-terrorism objectives.
India’s Challenges and Strategic Response
- Pakistan’s Anti-India Initiatives
India must anticipate Pakistan’s efforts to propose drafts with anti-India language or seek discussions on issues like J&K and the Indus Waters Treaty. This requires deft diplomacy to neutralize such moves and build alliances within the UNSC. - Combatting Propaganda
Pakistan has attempted to project India as a sponsor of terrorism, presenting dossiers with unsubstantiated claims. India should continue leveraging its global partnerships to counter such narratives, as seen in the successful designation of Abdul Rehman Makki under UNSC sanctions. - Kashmir Narratives
India has bolstered its position on J&K through democratic processes and development initiatives in the region. This strengthens its ability to counter Pakistan’s attempts to internationalize the issue, particularly with limited support among the P-5. - Maintaining Focus on Multilateral Synergies
India should emphasize shared priorities, such as climate change, sustainable development, and peacekeeping, to highlight Pakistan’s missed opportunities for collaboration.
Pakistan’s Domestic Context and Implications for Multilateralism
- Internal Political and Economic Crisis
Pakistan’s domestic instability, characterized by economic challenges and political turbulence, constrains its capacity to advance multilateralism effectively. - Rhetoric vs. Reality
While Pakistan may engage in high rhetoric against India, UNSC member states have grown increasingly skeptical of such tactics. This skepticism stems from Pakistan’s own actions, including allegations of harboring terrorist organizations.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s term in the UNSC presents opportunities and challenges for the region and the global community. While Pakistan’s agenda may focus on Afghanistan, Gaza, and counter-terrorism, its propensity to target India is a foregone conclusion. India must remain vigilant, leveraging its alliances and multilateral engagements to counter these efforts while continuing its robust contributions to global peace and security. Ultimately, Pakistan’s success at the UNSC will depend on its ability to align rhetoric with meaningful multilateral actions—a challenging prospect given its current trajectory.
