Pakistan on Tuesday assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for July 2025, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar saying Islamabad will strive to steer the global body toward responsive and effective action grounded in dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution.
The largely symbolic but strategic position marks Pakistan’s eighth term on the 15-member body and its first presidency since 2013. Islamabad’s current two-year term as a non-permanent member began in January 2025 and would continue until the end of 2026.
The presidency rotates monthly and does not wield any executive authority. However, the presiding country is able to influence the UNSC’s agenda and tone. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is currently Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the U.N.
“Pakistan takes on this responsibility with humility, conviction and profound commitment to the U.N. Charter, international law, and multilateralism,” read a statement posted by Dar on X. He noted the presidency came at a time of escalating conflicts and humanitarian crises across the world. “Pakistan would strive to steer the Security Council towards responsive and effective action grounded in dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution,” he said.
The foreign minister, who also serves as the deputy prime minister, said that he would chair two high-level events as part of Pakistan’s presidency: maintenance of international peace and security through multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes; and cooperation between the U.N. and the OIC.
“I will also preside over the quarterly open debate on Palestine,” he said, adding Pakistan anticipated working with all U.N. members to pursue inclusive, balanced, and action-oriented outcomes.