Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday hailed Pakistan’s recent appointments to key United Nations Security Council (UNSC) counterterrorism bodies as a “matter of great pride,” saying the recognition demonstrates global confidence in the country’s commitment and contributions to combating terrorism.His remarks followed Pakistan’s election as Vice-Chair of the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee and its designation to chair the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee in 2025.Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the prime minister said Pakistan’s selection as Chair of the 1988 Sanctions Committee, Vice-Chair of the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee, and Co-Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Sanctions underscores the international community’s recognition of Pakistan’s “strong and unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism.”“These prestigious roles reflect the trust of the global community in Pakistan’s counterterrorism credentials,” he said, noting that the appointments also acknowledge Pakistan’s immense sacrifices as a frontline state in the war against terror.Highlighting the human and economic toll of terrorism, PM Shehbaz pointed out that Pakistan has lost more than 90,000 lives and suffered economic damages exceeding $150 billion. He reaffirmed that few nations have paid as high a price as Pakistan in the global fight against terrorism.He expressed optimism that these appointments would deepen Pakistan’s engagement with the UN’s multilateral counterterrorism mechanisms and reinforce its commitment to promoting global peace and security.The Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations also welcomed the development, calling it a testament to the country’s proactive and constructive participation in the UN, particularly its role as an elected member of the Security Council.“These appointments represent international validation of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts against terrorism,” the mission stated, adding that Pakistan would continue to collaborate with the UN and member states in advancing the global counterterrorism agenda and upholding the principles of the UN Charter.According to the latest UNSC list of subsidiary body chairs, Denmark will lead the 1267 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee in 2025, with Russia and Sierra Leone as vice-chairs. Algeria will chair the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee, with France, Pakistan, and Russia appointed as vice-chairs.For the 1988 Sanctions Committee, Pakistan will serve as chair in 2025, working alongside Guyana and Russia as vice-chairs. The committee is responsible for implementing targeted sanctions—such as asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes—on Taliban-linked individuals and entities threatening peace and stability in Afghanistan.Pakistan’s growing role in the UN comes on the heels of its election as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2025–26 term, securing 182 votes out of 193 in last year’s General Assembly vote—far surpassing the required two-thirds majority.The UNSC consists of 15 members, including five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—with veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Current non-permanent members include Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia.
