June 8, 2025 – United Nations, New York:
India is actively engaging with its allies at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to counter Pakistan’s efforts to secure influential leadership positions in several counter-terrorism and sanctions committees. Despite aggressive lobbying, Pakistan has fallen short of its aspirations, managing to secure only one full chairship amid growing skepticism from other Council members.
According to diplomatic sources based in New York, Pakistan had pushed to lead four major UNSC panels:
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The 1267 Sanctions Committee (Al-Qaeda/ISIL)
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The 1540 Committee (Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction)
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The 1988 Committee (Taliban Sanctions)
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The 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC)
However, due to what insiders describe as a “lack of consensus and unreasonable demands,” the Council did not finalize these roles until June—well past the expected January 2025 deadline. A senior diplomat noted, “The Council members were displeased with the inflexible approach shown by Pakistan.”
Limited Roles Assigned to Pakistan
In the final allocation, Pakistan was granted only one chairship—the 1988 Sanctions Committee on the Taliban, with Russia and Guyana as Vice-Chairs. Other roles include:
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Vice-Chair of the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee, alongside France and Russia (a largely ceremonial role)
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Co-Chair of the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Sanctions, with Greece
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Co-Chair of the Documentation IWG, with Denmark
Analysts suggest these assignments fall significantly short of Pakistan’s expectations, and the unusual move of appointing two Co-Chairs to an IWG for the first time may reflect the Council’s cautious stance towards Islamabad.
India, Allies Keep Close Watch
India, which chaired the 1373 CTC in 2022 and during its 2011–2012 UNSC term, is working closely with global partners to ensure the integrity of the Council’s counter-terror mechanisms. A source emphasized that “India remains vigilant and continues to cooperate with like-minded nations to prevent misuse or softening of terrorism-related oversight.”
Terror Links Undermine Pakistan’s Credibility
The limited trust placed in Pakistan is widely attributed to its long-standing associations with terror groups. Notable examples cited by sources include:
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Osama bin Laden, found and killed in Abbottabad, reportedly donating ₹10 million for constructing Markaz Taiba in Muridke
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Ramzi Ahmed Yousef (linked to LeT and 1993 WTC attack), who sought shelter in Pakistan
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David Headley, who met UN-designated terrorists at LeT camps in Muridke and Muzaffarabad
Pakistan has over 50 individuals and entities tied to it already listed under the 1267 Sanctions Regime, which targets Al-Qaeda and ISIL operatives. “Pakistan’s discomfort likely stems from the growing likelihood of more names linked to it being added to the list,” a source noted.
As India continues to strengthen its diplomatic collaborations at the UN, observers say Islamabad’s current standing in the global body reflects diminishing trust and credibility, especially in matters related to counter-terrorism.