Pakistan to lead UN Security Council during heightened India conflict

WEBDESK, July 1, 2025 — Pakistan is set to assume the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of July, marking its first term in the chair since 2013 and the eighth time overall it has held the role as a non-permanent member of the 15-member body.

The development comes as regional tensions between India and Pakistan remain high, particularly after a recent deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir and subsequent military hostilities.

Pakistan’s Role and Message

Pakistan began its current two-year term on the UNSC in January 2025. While the presidency is mostly symbolic and rotates monthly among member states, the position allows Pakistan to set agendas, preside over meetings, and represent the Council at global forums.

Speaking to Dawn newspaper, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized the country’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and multilateral diplomacy.

“We will closely work with other Council members in a spirit of cooperation for collective and timely action… in line with the UN Charter and expectations of the international community,” he said.

Ahmad underscored that Pakistan is taking over the presidency “at a time of global tumult, escalating conflicts, and serious threats to peace,” positioning Islamabad as a voice for international stability.

🇮🇳 Indian Response: Focus on Counter-Terrorism and Diplomacy

India has reacted cautiously but firmly to Pakistan’s new role. According to The Economic Times, New Delhi is working on a diplomatic strategy to neutralize any potential moves by Pakistan during its presidency, particularly on the Kashmir issue.

Sources indicate that India will highlight its economic progress, commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its longstanding fight against cross-border terrorism — a subtle but clear pushback against Pakistan’s expected narratives.

READ MORE: India to Stop Pakistan’s Water, Will Use It for Rajasthan

Tensions between the two neighbors have spiked since a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 Hindu pilgrims dead. India has blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the attack, allegations Islamabad firmly denies.

The fallout from the attack led India to:

• Downgrade diplomatic ties
• Suspend cooperation on the Indus Water Treaty
• Engaged in four days of hostilities, which ended in a ceasefire on May 10

Symbolism vs. Influence

While Pakistan’s UNSC presidency does not grant it direct power to influence resolutions or decisions, it does provide a platform to shape discussions, spotlight issues like Kashmir, Gaza, or Islamophobia, and gain international media attention.

Analysts suggest that the presidency will be a test of diplomatic restraint and strategic messaging for both nations — and a moment for Pakistan to present itself as a responsible global actor, even as geopolitical strains intensify.