Pakistan to Assume Presidency of UN Security Council Amid Middle East Tensions

New York – As regional tensions continue to simmer following the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Pakistan is set to assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of July 2025, in a crucial diplomatic moment for the country.

The presidency comes as part of Pakistan’s two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, which began on January 1, 2025. The development positions Islamabad at the heart of global diplomacy during a volatile period in the Middle East.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday to outline the agenda for the Council during Pakistan’s presidency. According to diplomatic sources, the ambassador held detailed discussions with the UN chief on the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to global peace and multilateralism.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar emphasized that Pakistan will conduct its presidency in an open, transparent, and consultative manner, ensuring that all member states are heard and respected. He further stressed that Pakistan would use its position to encourage dialogue and de-escalation in ongoing conflicts.

Pakistan was elected to the 15-member Security Council with overwhelming support, securing 182 out of 193 votes during the UN General Assembly elections in June 2024. This is Pakistan’s eighth term as a non-permanent member of the Council.

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The upcoming presidency is expected to focus on a range of global security issues, with the Middle East crisis, Afghanistan, climate security, and UN peacekeeping reforms anticipated to dominate the agenda.

As Pakistan prepares to chair the UNSC, international observers will be closely watching how Islamabad navigates its leadership role at a time of heightened global uncertainty.