Pakistan has opposed expanding veto powers at the United Nations Security Council, calling for comprehensive and fair reforms. Islamabad warned that granting additional countries this privilege could deepen inequalities within the council. It also urged greater representation and a stronger role for elected members.
Pakistan’s position was presented by Gul Qaiser Sarwani, counsellor at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. He said Pakistan opposed adding new permanent members with veto privileges. He stressed that reforms should promote democratic representation rather than create further divisions among member states.
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Sarwani said Pakistan supports ending the veto system or imposing strict limits on its use. He argued that the misuse of veto powers damages the credibility of the United Nations. Pakistan also reiterated its support for holding General Assembly debates after a veto is exercised in the Security Council.
The Security Council has a central role in addressing threats to international peace and security. Its permanent members hold veto powers that allow them to block substantive resolutions. Pakistan’s latest position focuses on preventing further concentration of decision-making authority within this group.
Islamabad called for increasing the number of elected members and strengthening their representation and role. Sarwani said reforms should benefit all member states rather than provide special privileges to selected countries. Pakistan maintains that a broader and more balanced structure would make the council more representative.
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Pakistan also called for addressing all five key areas of Security Council reform together. Sarwani stressed that countries should negotiate these issues through a comprehensive package. This approach, according to Pakistan’s stated position, would prevent selective changes that favour particular states over others.
The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s opposition to expanding permanent membership with veto privileges. It also highlighted the country’s preference for limiting or abolishing the veto and improving the position of elected members. The debate over Security Council reform remains focused on representation, decision-making powers and fairness among United Nations member states.
