Pakistan at the UNSC: Navigating Challenges
Context
As Pakistan prepares to assume a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on January 1, 2025, India should brace for an uptick in anti-India initiatives.
Introduction
In 2025-26, half of the UNSC’s elected members will be from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with Pakistan joining Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia. This new composition signals Pakistan’s intent to influence key issues, particularly:
- Afghanistan: Expect Pakistan to leverage its term to mend ties with the Taliban, supported by allies Russia and China.
- Gaza: There is hope that coordinated efforts with OIC nations could push for a ceasefire in Gaza, vital for regional stability.
- Peacekeeping: As a major troop contributor to UN peacekeeping, Pakistan will likely prioritize this agenda.
- India Focus: Nonetheless, anti-India actions will dominate its UNSC efforts.
What India Should Expect
Relations between India and Pakistan remain strained, with no real enhancement in multilateral cooperation. Some OIC member states may back Pakistani initiatives—often framed to obscure their anti-India language. India must prepare for:
- Pakistan’s Reactive Strategies: History suggests that Pakistan will revert to anti-India rhetoric at the UNSC, especially with China bolstering its efforts.
- Terrorism Discourse: Pakistan aims to combat terrorism to deflect claims of being a “terrorist state.” Expect it to present dossiers alleging Indian terrorism while pushing for resolutions emphasizing its counter-terrorism stance.
- Kashmir Focus: Jammu and Kashmir will become a priority for Pakistan, especially since recent UNSC sessions yielded little traction for its claims. However, with elections in J&K and an active local government, rallying international support will prove challenging.
Islamophobia and Diplomatic Maneuvers
Pakistan continues to weaponize the concept of Islamophobia to dilute discussions on terrorism and redirect criticism towards India. Despite India’s efforts to prevent its inclusion in UN frameworks, it re-emerged in a UNSC presidential statement. The recent push for a UN Special Envoy on Islamophobia reflects this ongoing challenge.
Misuse of Bilateral Treaties
Pakistan has attempted to bring bilateral issues, like the Indus Waters Treaty, into the UNSC realm, leveraging it for domestic gain. Meanwhile, it seems disinterested in collaborative opportunities on issues like climate change and international development that involve India.
Conclusion
With political instability and economic challenges at home, Pakistan’s UNSC tenure is expected to be marked by anti-India rhetoric rather than fostering constructive multilateralism. The international community remains skeptical of its narratives, making it difficult for Pakistan to shift the diplomatic landscape in its favor.