Press Release

 Pakistan Assumes UNSC Presidency for July 2025 with Focus on Multilateralism, Dispute Resolution, and Regional Cooperation United Nations, July 01, 2025: Pakistan today assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of July 2025. Briefing the journalists belonging to the UN Correspondents Association (UNCA) in the press briefing room later, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, President of the Security Council and the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, said that it was Pakistan’s eighth term on the Security Council. He said that we assume the Presidency with a deep sense of responsibility and conviction, adding that our approach is firmly rooted in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, peaceful settlement of disputes, sovereign equality, respect for international law and multilateralism. He informed the journalists that the Program of Work (PoW), adopted by the Security Council for July, includes a full schedule of mandated briefings and open debates across a broad range of regional and thematic issues. Talking about the signature events, Ambassador Asim said that Pakistan will convene two signature events during its Presidency, which are High-Level Open Debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes.” It is scheduled for 22 July, and will be chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar. He said that the Secretary General is expected to brief the Council. Throwing light on the rationale of the event, he said that the debate stems from the reality that today’s crises often emerge from unresolved disputes, the erosion of international obligations, and the underutilization of peaceful means enshrined in Chapter VI of the Charter. “We aim to: Reflect on the effectiveness of dispute settlement mechanisms; discuss obstacles to implementation of Council decisions; explore ways to enhance diplomacy, mediation and technical support; and reinforce the commitments made in the Pact for the Future to preventive diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution,” he explained. Ambassador Asim said that the second signature event was on “Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations – the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)”, which, he said, will be held on 24 July. He said that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will chair the briefing. This meeting, he said, will spotlight the UN’s engagement with the OIC, which represents 57 Member States across four continents. He said that the OIC has played an increasingly important role in: conflict prevention and mediation; humanitarian response and post-conflict recovery; and the promotion of inter-faith dialogue and countering extremism. He stated that the briefing will explore ways to institutionalize and deepen cooperation between the UN and the OIC, especially in support of peace processes in the Middle East, North Africa, the Sahel, and beyond. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that Pakistan will also preside over the Security Council’s Quarterly Open Debate on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question”, which he said has been elevated to the ministerial level, in view of the ongoing and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He said that this meeting will reaffirm the Council’s responsibility to protect civilians, uphold international humanitarian law, and push for an immediate ceasefire, as well as just and lasting solution based on the relevant UN resolutions. The Pakistan UN Ambassador said that throughout the month, the Council will consider several country-specific and thematic files, including: Colombia, Haiti (BINUH), and Cyprus (UNFICYP), Sudan (ICC), and updates on Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon (Resolution 1701). “We remain ready to convene additional meetings should developments on the ground, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, require timely Council engagement,” he said. Outlining the working methods and approach for the month of the Presidency, Ambassador Asim said that Pakistan is committed to transparency and inclusivity in the conduct of the office. He said that we will maintain close coordination with all Council members and keep the wider UN membership engaged. He said we will also ensure timely and clear communication with the media. In terms of member state engagement, the President of the Security Council said that we are organizing a wrap-in and wrap-up sessions at the beginning and end of July and will also hold regular briefings and informal consultations as needed. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative said that we will monitor global situations closely, especially in conflict zones such as Middle East (Gaza & Iran) Sudan, DRC, Libya. The Council must remain nimble and credible. He said that we have kept largely Friday open for the meeting of the Subsidiary bodies. He informed the journalists that Pakistan also serves as Chair, and Co-Chair of subsidiary bodies, including the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee and Informal Working Groups on Sanctions and Documentation. We will continue efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and coherence in their work. Concluding his press briefing, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that our focus will remain on ensuring that the Council’s work this month is anchored in responsibility, relevance, and resolve. “We are mindful of the role and responsibility of the Presidency and will approach this task with the professionalism and seriousness it demands. We value the continued engagement of the media in conveying the work of the Council to the global public and welcome your questions and insights as we move forward,” he added. In response to a question by a journalist, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, emphasized the urgent need to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, describing it as a persistent source of tension and friction between India and Pakistan. He said, “It is time for the Kashmir dispute to be addressed. And I would say, this is not solely Pakistan’s responsibility — we are here temporarily, serving a two-year term as a non-permanent member.” He stressed that the primary responsibility lies with the Security Council itself, particularly its permanent members. “It is incumbent upon the Council — especially the permanent members — to take concrete steps to ensure the implementation of their own resolutions,” he asserted.