Pakistan Elected Vice-Chair of UN Counter-Terrorism Committee, to Lead Taliban Sanctions Panel in 2025
In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan has been elected Vice-Chair of the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Counter-Terrorism Committee and will serve as Chair of the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee in 2025. This marks a strategic achievement for Islamabad in multilateral diplomacy.
The announcement follows a visit to the UN Headquarters in New York by a high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The delegation engaged in meetings with top UN officials, including the Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, members of the Security Council, diplomats from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), civil society representatives, and the Pakistani diaspora.
During the visit, Pakistani officials presented their stance on regional security, emphasizing the importance of international law, diplomatic engagement, and peaceful conflict resolution. The delegation also condemned attacks on civilians in disputed territories and responded to recent allegations with a call for evidence-based dialogue.
The visit came shortly after regional tensions escalated, prompting international concern. A ceasefire was brokered following diplomatic efforts involving U.S. President Donald Trump, easing the situation.
According to the UN’s updated leadership list for subsidiary bodies, Denmark will chair the 1267 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee in 2025, with Russia and Sierra Leone as vice-chairs. Algeria will lead the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee, while Pakistan, France, and Russia will serve as its vice-chairs.
By securing key leadership roles in two influential UNSC bodies, Pakistan is set to play a more active role in shaping global counter-terrorism efforts and sanctions enforcement policies, especially in Afghanistan and the broader South Asian region.
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