Pakistan Takes Over UN Security Council Presidency

Pakistan has officially assumed the rotating monthly presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for July 2025. This marks the eighth time Pakistan holds the prestigious post, first achieved in 1952 and most recently in 2012–13. Pakistan is currently serving a two-year non-permanent term (Jan 2025–Dec 2026) after winning a commanding 182 out of 193 votes in the June 2024 UN General Assembly election

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, outlined four strategic priorities:

• Championing the peaceful resolution of disputes and diplomacy to foster global stability 

• Ensuring transparency and inclusivity in Council proceedings with open dialogue among member states 

• Reinforcing UN and regional body cooperation, particularly with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 

• Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, elevating discussions to the ministerial level to protect civilians and uphold international law

• Strategic Visibility: Pakistan sets the UNSC agenda throughout July 

• Diplomatic Opportunity: Showcases Pakistan's global leadership and foreign policy maturity

• Track Record Growth: Eighth presidency reflects consistent global confidence in Pakistan 

• Regional Influence: Balanced representation for Muslim-majority nations and other geo-political blocs

• Rising global conflicts: With crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond, leadership demands urgent humanitarian diplomacy

• Counter-terrorism support: Pakistan simultaneously chairs the UNSC's Counter-Terrorism Committee 

• Diplomatic leverage: Pakistan’s presidency coincides with efforts to reform the Council and enhance non-permanent member roles

• New resolutions or presidential statements emerging from Council debates

• Outcome of high-level sessions, particularly on Palestine and UN–OIC coordination

• Committee collaborations involving Pakistan, such as counter-terrorism and sanctions

• Public declarations by Ambassador Ahmad and Deputy PM Dar

• Global media coverage of Pakistan's diplomatic impact and initiatives

Pakistan’s assumption of the UNSC presidency this July offers a pivotal moment to shape international discourse on peace, multilateral diplomacy, and humanitarian issues, most notably Palestine. Backed by a strong voting mandate and clear priorities, Pakistan now faces the challenge of leveraging its presidency to achieve meaningful consensus and outcomes. The eyes of the world will focus on the Council’s July actions and Pakistan’s effectiveness as chair.