ISLAMABAD: Pakistan was appointed vice chair of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee on Wednesday, a move its officials described as international recognition of the country’s efforts to combat militancy and engage constructively within the UN system.
The committee, established in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks through Resolution 1373, monitors how UN member states implement counterterrorism measures.
Pakistan was also named chair of the Security Council committee overseeing sanctions against the Taliban, and co-chair of two informal working groups, one on improving the Council’s transparency and procedures and another on sanctions-related issues.
“These appointments represent an acknowledgment of Pakistan’s active engagement with the United Nations system, including its constructive role as an elected member of the Security Council,” the mission said in a statement. “They are also an international recognition of Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.”
These developments come nearly a month after New Delhi targeted Pakistani cities following a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. Indian officials blamed Pakistan for the assault, though the administration in Islamabad denied involvement and called for an “impartial” international probe.
The situation, however, escalated into a four-day military conflict before a US-brokered ceasefire was announced on May 10 by President Donald Trump.
Pakistan has also said in the past it has been targeted by armed militant factions operating from neighboring Afghanistan and “sponsored by India.” Both Kabul and New Delhi deny the charge, though Pakistan’s presence on the Taliban sanctions committee could carry significance in this context.
The Pakistani mission at the UN said it would work with other member states to help strengthen multilateral efforts against militant violence.
Pakistan, which began its two-year term as an elected member of the Security Council in January, has advocated for greater inclusivity and equity in global governance institutions, including reform of the UN’s working methods.
