Pakistan is set to play a pivotal role in global diplomacy as it assumes leadership of key committees within the United Nations Security Council during its tenure as a non-permanent member for 2025–26, diplomatic sources revealed.
According to 24newsHD TV channel, Pakistan will chair the influential 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee, which oversees asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes targeting individuals and entities linked to the Taliban.
The committee's primary mandate is to address threats to the peace, stability, and security of Afghanistan — a critical concern for both regional and global actors.
Guyana and Russia will serve as vice-chairs of the Taliban Sanctions Committee, diplomatic sources confirmed.
In addition, Pakistan will also hold the vice-chairmanship of the UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), which deals with the implementation of measures to combat terrorism globally. Algeria will chair this committee in 2025, with Pakistan, France, and Russia serving as vice-chairs.
According to the list of chairpersons for UNSC subsidiary bodies, Denmark will lead the 1267 ISIS and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, while Russia and Sierra Leone will support as vice-chairs.
Beyond formal chair positions, Pakistan will also co-chair two informal working groups — one on documentation and procedural matters, and another on general sanctions issues within the Security Council.
All sanctions committees under the UNSC consist of 15 members, and decisions are made by consensus. Pakistan’s appointment to these roles underlines its growing diplomatic clout at the UN and its relevance in international peace and security dialogues, especially related to South Asia and counterterrorism efforts.
Reporter: Anwer Abbas