Pakistan bags UN anti-terrorism posts despite Modi allegations

Despite India’s all-out efforts to malign the country across the world, Pakistan has secured leadership roles at the United Nations

SITUATIONER

June 5, 2025

IN journalism, especially when reporting on political and diplomatic developments, writers are typically advised to avoid terms such as “poetic justice”. Yet, it is hard to resist such sentiment upon hearing that Pakistan has been appointed as vice-chair of the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) — a body responsible for monitoring implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), a landmark resolution adopted in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

Every such appointment is significant, particularly for developing nations that often face structural challenges in securing international posts. Pakistan’s elevation is not only rare but symbolically potent, given that it comes on the heels of India’s accusations labelling Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism. This development seems to underscore the confidence of the international community in Pakistan’s credibility and role within the multilateral framework of the United Nations.

Resolution 1373 established a comprehensive counter-terrorism framework obligating UN member states to take measures to combat terrorism, including suppressing financing and denying safe haven to perpetrators. As vice-chair, Pakistan will help oversee the global compliance with these provisions.

In a further demonstration of diplomatic ascendancy, Pakistan has also been appointed as Chair of the Security Council Committee established under resolution 1988 (2011), which monitors sanctions against the Taliban. In addition, Pakistan will now serve as Co-Chair of two key Informal Working Groups (IWGs) of the Security Council — one on documentation and working methods, and another on sanctions reform.

The former seeks to improve transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness in Council operations, while the latter focuses on the design, implementation, and effectiveness of UN sanctions regimes.

These prestigious appointments mark a significant diplomatic achievement for Islamabad and are being interpreted by observers as international recognition of Pakistan’s active engagement at the United Nations and its commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.

A statement from Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to upholding the UN Charter and collaborating with member states to advance global peace and security, particularly in the fight against terrorism.

Bilawal defends Pakistan’s position

These developments came soon after India dispatched seven parliamentary delegations around the globe in a concerted effort to discredit Pakistan’s international standing by alleging its complicity in terrorist activities. The two countries fought a brief but intense military clash on May 7-10.

In contrast, Pakistan opted for a more measured approach, sending a single delegation led by former foreign minister and current Pakistan People’s Party Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Mr Bhutto-Zardari held a widely-covered press conference at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

During the session, the former minister addressed questions from international journalists with a composed and articulate demeanour. He defended Pakistan’s diplomatic stance, reiterated the country’s commitment to multilateralism and counter-terrorism, and firmly rejected India’s narrative.

“Pakistan does not believe in power projection or media wars,” Bhutto-Zardari stated. “We believe in meaningful diplomacy and constructive engagement with our international partners.”

His remarks were lauded domestically and by several international observers as an effective rebuttal to India’s campaign, offering a contrast in tone and strategy. Bhutto-Zardari also emphasised Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror, reminding the audience of the immense human and economic costs borne by the country over the past two decades.

This nuanced and dignified performance, paired with Pakistan’s newly-acquired leadership roles within the UN system, marks a moment of quiet but meaningful vindication on the global stage.