Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar announced that Pakistan will chair three high‑profile events in July: an open debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” on 22 July; a quarterly open debate on Palestine on 23 July; and a briefing on “Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub‑Regional Organisations: the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation” on 24 July. These events aim to prioritise diplomacy and reinforce the role of regional organisations in conflict resolution, signalling Islamabad’s commitment to action‑oriented deliberations.
The UN Security Council presidency rotates monthly among its 15 members in alphabetical order. Pakistan, elected with overwhelming support, secured 182 votes in June 2024 and begins this month’s leadership role as part of its eighth tenure as a non‑permanent member.
Embassy statements emphasise that Pakistan will anchor its presidency in the principles of the UN Charter, respect for international law, and a resolute dedication to multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution. Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan underlined Islamabad’s aim to apply a transparent, consultative process and foster inclusive engagement across all regions, citing global crises in the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America as areas of concern.
Analysts note that the presidency arrives amid intensifying debate about the Council’s effectiveness, with unresolved crises in Gaza, Ukraine and Kashmir drawing widespread criticism. Ambassador Ahmad has spotlighted the under‑utilised Chapter VI of the UN Charter, advocating for greater use of diplomatic and legal mechanisms to settle disputes. He posited that meaningful implementation—rather than merely passing resolutions—is essential to restoring the Council’s credibility.
Richard Gowan, UN Director at the International Crisis Group, commented that Pakistan's focus on peaceful dispute resolution and multilateral diplomatic tools reflects a broad demand within the UN membership for a return to preventive diplomacy. He acknowledged, however, that revitalising this approach will require substantial political will from permanent Council members.
The briefing scheduled for 24 July will examine UN coordination with regional and sub‑regional organisations—an essential element of current peace‑keeping and conflict prevention operations. Pakistan intends to highlight existing partnerships with bodies such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, African Union and European Union. A senior UN official involved in peace operations is expected to address the briefing, underlining its relevance to the Council’s operational work.
Domestically, Pakistan’s role has elicited praise from Islamabad's foreign ministry, positioning the presidency as an opportunity to emphasise dialogue, diplomacy and international law at a time of global instability. Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan seeks to foster “responsive and effective action grounded in dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution”.
Observers suggest that although the presidency does not bestow executive powers, it allows Pakistan to influence the Council’s agenda and tone. With the Council frequently perceived as deadlocked—particularly over Gaza and Ukraine—Pakistan’s leadership may be scrutinised as a measure of its capacity to shape international response to humanitarian emergencies and regional crises.
Following Pakistan, the presidency will pass to Panama, South Korea, Russia, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia for the rest of 2025, with Pakistan’s term as a Council member concluding in December 2026. As the rotating presidency takes centre stage, two key questions emerge: whether Islamabad can translate its diplomatic messaging into effective Council resolutions, and whether permanent members will support stronger multilateral action.