Pakistan’s Appointment to UNSC Counter-Terrorism Roles Sparks Global Controversy
New Delhi, June 6, 2025 – A recent decision by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to appoint Pakistan as Chair of the UNSC Sanctions Committee under Resolution 1988 (2011) and Vice-Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee under Resolution 1373 (2001) has ignited widespread criticism and debate. Pakistan will also co-chair the Informal Working Group (IWG) on documentation and sanctions, amplifying its influence in global counter-terrorism efforts. The announcement, made on June 4, 2025, by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN, has raised concerns among several nations, particularly India, due to Pakistan’s historical ties to state-sponsored terrorism.
The UNSC’s Resolution 1988 Committee oversees sanctions related to the Taliban, including asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes, aimed at curbing threats to peace in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee, chaired by Algeria with Pakistan, France, and Russia as vice-chairs, focuses on global anti-terrorism measures, such as monitoring terror financing and ensuring member states comply with UN anti-terrorism protocols. Pakistan’s dual role in these committees places it at the forefront of shaping international policies on terrorism—a position many view as deeply ironic.
India, a long-standing critic of Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorist groups, has expressed alarm over the appointment. Indian officials and analysts point to decades of evidence, including Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency’s documented links to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have been responsible for attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. A 2025 Wikipedia entry on Pakistan and state-sponsored terrorism notes that former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf admitted to training militant groups to fight India in Kashmir, a policy he justified as a means to force India into negotiations. Additionally, a disproportionate number of extremist madrassas, often funded by external actors like Saudi Arabia, operate within Pakistan, further fueling concerns about its commitment to counter-terrorism.
The Express Tribune reported on June 5, 2025, that Denmark will lead the 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, with Russia and Sierra Leone as vice-chairs, while Guyana and Russia will serve as vice-chairs alongside Pakistan in the 1988 Committee. Pakistan’s current status as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2025–26 term has likely contributed to its eligibility for these roles, but critics argue that the decision undermines the UN’s credibility. An India Today report from June 3, 2025, highlighted the potential setback for India, noting that Pakistan’s new positions could allow it to influence sanctions enforcement, particularly regarding the Taliban and terror financing—areas where Pakistan’s track record is contentious.
Global reactions have been sharp. A ResearchGate article from 2003 underscores the importance of Resolution 1373 as the "cornerstone of the UN’s counter-terrorism effort," emphasizing the need for impartiality in such roles. However, Pakistan’s history of “playing both sides,” as noted by journalist Ahmed Rashid and author Ted Galen Carpenter, casts doubt on its suitability. The Australian has previously labeled Pakistan as potentially the “single biggest state sponsor of terrorism,” a sentiment echoed by many in the international community following this appointment.
In India, the development has been met with a mix of outrage and sarcasm. Many see the UN’s decision as a diplomatic misstep, with some calling it akin to “hiring a hacker to head cybersecurity.” Others worry that Pakistan could use its position to shield terrorist entities or obstruct sanctions enforcement, particularly in the context of Afghanistan and Kashmir. The UNSC’s rotational appointment process, while standard, has done little to assuage fears, as nations like the US and India remain wary of Pakistan’s intentions.
As the global community watches closely, Pakistan’s new roles in the UNSC will test its commitment to counter-terrorism—and the UN’s ability to maintain credibility in the fight against global terrorism. For now, the appointments have reignited debates about the effectiveness of international bodies in addressing terrorism when key players have conflicting interests.
