United Nations (TDI): Pakistan, a leading member of the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group opposing new permanent seats in the UN Security Council (UNSC), has reiterated its proposal to expand the council by adding non-permanent seats.
This move, Pakistan asserts, would enhance the council’s effectiveness, representation, and accountability.
Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, emphasized during the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) session on Tuesday that the UfC’s framework for expansion, proposing 11 to 12 additional non-permanent members, offers a democratic and inclusive path to reform.
“The proposal aligns with the UN Charter’s principle of acting on behalf of the entire membership and ensures equitable representation,” Akram stated.
Efforts to reform the UNSC have been underway since 2009, focusing on categories of membership, the veto, regional representation, council size, and its working methods.
However, progress remains stalled due to contrasting views.
The G-4 bloc—comprising India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—advocates for permanent seats, while the UfC group, led by Pakistan and Italy, opposes such additions, citing concerns over inequity and dysfunction.
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As a compromise, the UfC suggests creating a new category of non-permanent members with longer terms and the possibility of re-election.
The UNSC currently includes five permanent members with veto power—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Pakistan’s Opposition to Permanent Seats
Ambassador Akram dismissed claims by the G-4 about “new realities,” arguing that many more countries significantly contribute to global peace and security.
He warned against creating “new centers of privilege” within the UNSC, stating that no country could claim such unequal status under the UN Charter.
He stressed that countries seeking greater representation should rely on periodic elections by the General Assembly.
“The E-10 [non-permanent members] have often led on fulfilling council responsibilities amid divisions among the P-5, underscoring the need for more non-permanent members,” Akram said.
Akram also cautioned that adding six permanent members would limit opportunities for other UN member states, undermining equitable regional representation and increasing risks of paralysis in the council.
“New permanent members would only exacerbate dysfunction within the UNSC,” he added.
Moreover, Pakistan expressed support for Africa’s demands to address the historic injustice faced by the continent.
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Akram suggested that UfC’s proposal on regional representation could empower aggrieved regions to nominate representatives and ensure fair rotation within the council.
Additionally, the UfC framework could enhance representation for cross-regional groups, including the Arab and OIC groups and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Akram noted.
The debate over UNSC reform remains a critical issue for the UN’s broader efforts to maintain global peace and equitable governance.
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