Pakistan's Alternate Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has reaffirmed Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, stressing that it is based on UN resolutions. He also emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, which he believes is crucial for regional peace. His remarks came as Pakistan began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-26 period.
On Thursday, Ambassador Iftikhar participated in a flag installation ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York, marking the start of Pakistan’s term. As part of the ceremony, the flags of five new non-permanent members – Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia – were displayed at the Security Council's stakeout area. These countries have replaced Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, whose terms ended on December 31, 2024.
In his brief speech, Ambassador Iftikhar highlighted that Pakistan would continue to follow the principles of the UN Charter, including the promotion of international peace, security, and friendly relations among nations. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the rights of oppressed peoples, particularly their right to self-determination.
“Pakistan will always remain a strong voice for peoples under foreign occupation and oppression, and for the realization of their right to self-determination,” Ambassador Iftikhar stated. He also emphasized that Pakistan believes cooperative multilateralism – with the UN at its center – is the best way to address global challenges. This includes tackling both long-standing and emerging conflicts, prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy, and supporting confidence-building at regional and global levels.
The Pakistani envoy stressed the importance of reducing tensions, halting the arms race, and creating an environment conducive to peace and development. He also stated that Pakistan would work with other Security Council members to find just and peaceful solutions to global issues. “We will make full use of the tools available to us, including conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding, to achieve lasting peace,” he said.
Ambassador Iftikhar underlined that Pakistan's success lies in upholding the UN Charter and international law in all circumstances. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Security Council’s decisions are effectively implemented. “Never forgetting our solemn duty towards the millions of men, women, and children suffering in conflicts, Pakistan is fully committed to our collective effort for a more peaceful and secure world,” he added.
As part of Pakistan's new role on the Security Council, the country will assume the presidency of the Council in July. Under the Council’s rotating presidency system, Pakistan will set the agenda for the Security Council’s meetings that month. Additionally, Pakistan will hold a seat on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, which is responsible for designating individuals and groups as terrorists and imposing sanctions on them.
The UN Security Council is made up of 15 members, five of which are permanent members – the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France. The remaining 10 seats are filled by non-permanent members, which rotate every two years. The Security Council plays a central role in maintaining international peace and security and has the power to make binding decisions, impose sanctions, and authorize the use of force.
The flag installation ceremony, a tradition introduced by Kazakhstan in 2018, was presided over by Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative, Kairat Umarov. During the ceremony, Ambassador Umarov expressed confidence that the new members of the Council would bring a fresh perspective and focus to global peace and security issues. He also highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the world, including conflicts, humanitarian crises, the impacts of climate change, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the world facing numerous crises, Ambassador Iftikhar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to playing an active role in addressing global challenges. He stressed that Pakistan would work towards building a more peaceful and secure world, guided by the values of the UN Charter and international law.