January 1, 2025 – Pakistan has officially begun its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Elected in June 2024, Pakistan received overwhelming support with 182 votes out of 1852. This marks Pakistan’s eighth term on the council.
Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s top diplomat at the UN, has vowed that the Pakistani delegation will play an “active and constructive” role in addressing key global challenges. However, this development is seen as unfavorable for India, which has been striving for a permanent seat on the UNSC for years3.
Pakistan’s presence on the council is expected to complicate India’s bid for permanent membership, as Islamabad has historically opposed the addition of new permanent members. Instead, Pakistan advocates for expanding the non-permanent category3.
India’s quest for a permanent seat on the UNSC faces further challenges as Pakistan will likely use its position to block New Delhi’s efforts. The geopolitical landscape within the UNSC remains complex, with increasing polarization and the influence of veto powers4.
As Pakistan takes on its role in the UNSC, the dynamics of international diplomacy and India’s aspirations for a permanent seat will be closely watched