In a diplomatic win, Pakistan set to chair UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee

New Delhi (India) June 5: In 2025, Pakistan will lead the UN Security Council's (UNSC) Taliban Sanctions Committee and serve as vice-chair of the 15-nation U.N. body's Counter-Terrorism Committee.

The committee is in charge of monitoring the application of sanctions on Taliban-affiliated individuals and organisations that endanger peace and stability in Afghanistan, such as asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes. Russia and Guyana will be the Taliban Sanctions Committee's vice-chairs.

After the conflict with India over the Pahalgam attack, a high-level parliamentary delegation headed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recently visited the UN headquarters in New York. US President Donald Trump's intervention caused the situation to settle down and resulted in an a cease-fire

The delegation discussed Pakistan's stand on regional tensions, adherence to international law and promoting peaceful relations with neighbours.

Pakistan is at the centre of international debates and policy-making related to counterterrorism initiatives and regional stability as a result of these appointments. The nation's participation in these committees shows its growing influence in the UNSC.

Pakistan's leadership is further strengthened with its election as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2025–2026 term.

Pakistan will also co-chair the General UNSC Sanctions Issues and Documentation and Other Procedural Questions Informal Working Groups.

According to the Pakistani representation to the UN, it will collaborate with other members to support multilateral efforts that focus on preventing extremist violence. Pakistan has pushed for greater justice and inclusivity in global governance organisations, including reforming the UN's operational procedures. 

According to the list of chairs for UNSC committees, the 1267 ISIL (Da'ish) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee will be chaired by Denmark with Russia and Sierra Leone serving as vice-chairs. France, Pakistan, and Russia will be the vice-chairs of the 15-member 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee, which will be headed by Algeria.

Pakistan has also criticised attacks on civilians in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and highlighted India's illegal acts which included violations of humanitarian law worldwide and the UN Charter. The delegation also condemned India's statements about the attack on April 22 and said that there was lack of evidence to back them up.

Aadrika Tayal