Pakistan hopes to get 8th term as UNSC non-permanent member today

WASHINGTON: Pakistan hopes to grab a record 8th term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, as the world body meets today (Thursday).

The UN General Assembly will appoint five UNSC non-permanent members. Along with Pakistan, the other four elected will serve for two years starting from January 1, 2025 to the end of 2026, replacing Japan, Malta, Switzerland, Mozambique and Ecuador. Pakistan has previously served on the Council in the years 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, 1968-69, and 1952-53.

The Security Council consists of 15 countries, including five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members. The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two years, with representation from all 193 UN Member States based on regional geographical distribution. Hence, Pakistan and India out of the Asia-Pacific group usually support each other’s candidacies in these elections.

Pakistan has received endorsement from the 53-member Asian Group, according to the country’s Mission in New York. They listed that if elected, Pakistan will focus on promoting peace and security in the region, uphold the principle of self-determination for the people of Palestine and Kashmir, support normalization in Afghanistan, promote equitable solutions to security challenges in Africa, and enhance the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations.