Pakistan has called for either the abolition or strict restriction of veto powers in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), while firmly opposing any expansion of permanent membership in the global body.
Speaking at a session of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council reform, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the current veto system has often paralysed decision-making on critical global peace and security issues.
He argued that the misuse of veto power by permanent members has weakened the Council’s effectiveness, preventing timely action during international crises. According to him, the system is now outdated and requires urgent reform.
Pakistan reiterated its long-standing position that adding new permanent members—or expanding veto privileges—would worsen the imbalance within the Council and deepen institutional gridlock.
Instead, Islamabad supported increasing the number of elected non-permanent members, saying it would help restore balance and improve accountability in decision-making. The envoy added that broader representation would reduce the dominance of a few powerful states.
The Pakistani diplomat also stressed the need for greater transparency in the use of vetoes, suggesting that contested decisions should be subject to wider scrutiny within the UN General Assembly.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on comprehensive reform, he emphasized that all aspects of Security Council restructuring—including membership categories, regional representation, and working methods—must be addressed together rather than in isolation.
The debate over UNSC reform continues to face divisions, with several countries pushing for permanent seats, while others, including Pakistan, oppose expanding privileged membership, arguing it would further entrench inequality in global governance.
