ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a phone call from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday night to discuss upcoming events at the UN Security Council (UNSC).
Pakistan holds the Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of July. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to promoting international peace and security and to the peaceful resolution of disputes, the Foreign Ministry stated in a press release.
The Deputy PM also briefed the UN chief on the Signature Events being convened by Pakistan during its Presidency to advance these objectives.
Both leaders expressed interest in meeting in New York next week during activities related to Pakistan’s Presidency of the UNSC.
The Deputy Prime Minister further reiterated Pakistan’s continued support in facilitating the United Nations and its personnel in the effective discharge of their mandate.
Pakistan’s UNSC presidency
On July 1, Pakistan assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for July, within its current two-year tenure as a non-permanent member that began on January 1.
Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN and president of the Security Council for July, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, outlined the country’s priorities during its presidency.
He emphasised a commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and international law during Pakistan’s eighth Security Council presidency.
Ambassador Ahmad said Pakistan will conduct its presidency with transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness to crises while valuing member state participation.
He stressed Pakistan’s approach reflects a deep responsibility and determination to uphold UN Charter principles.
High-level sessions planned
Pakistan’s first high-level session on July 22 will focus on promoting international peace through multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution, chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Ambassador Ahmad said.
A second session on July 24 will address UN cooperation with regional organisations, including a briefing with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, he added.
Palestine under close watch
Ambassador Ahmad announced plans to elevate routine Israel-Palestine discussions to the ministerial level, emphasising the council’s responsibility to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law.
“This is our responsibility. We are making our efforts. We will continue to do that, and we hope that we will overcome the obstacles and we can eventually propose something from the council as an outcome that can contribute to ceasefire and peace and stability,” he said.
Security Council presidency
The presidency rotates monthly among its 15 members in alphabetical order.
Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member with the overwhelming support of the UN membership, securing 182 votes out of 193 in June 2024.
The UN Security Council consists of five permanent members with veto power—the US, Russia, China, France, and Britain—and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Pakistan previously served on the Security Council seven times, the last one being in 2012-2013.
