On Thursday, the Pakistani national flag was raised outside the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) chamber, marking the beginning of Pakistan’s eighth term as a non-permanent member for 2025-26.
The ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York also saw the flag installations of five new non-permanent members: Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia, who replaced Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, whose terms ended on December 31, 2024.
Pakistan’s Alternate Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, hoisted the flag and delivered remarks emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, including maintaining international peace, promoting equal rights, and supporting self-determination.
Ambassador Ahmad stressed Pakistan’s role in advocating for oppressed peoples and fostering multilateral cooperation to tackle global challenges. He highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts, encouraging dialogue, and building confidence at regional and global levels. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to pursuing peaceful solutions to the issues on the Council’s agenda, utilizing conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding tools to achieve lasting peace. Pakistan also aims to uphold international law and the Security Council’s decisions to alleviate the suffering of those in conflict zones.
In July, Pakistan will assume the presidency of the UNSC, giving it an opportunity to shape the Council’s agenda. Additionally, Pakistan will serve on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, responsible for designating individuals and entities as terrorists and imposing sanctions.
The UNSC, composed of 15 members—five permanent and ten non-permanent—has the authority to make binding decisions, impose sanctions, and authorize the use of force to maintain international peace and security.
