India Hits Out as Pakistan Assumes UNSC Presidency, Raises Terror Concerns
United Nations (The Uttam Hindu): India on Tuesday highlighted Islamabad's involvement in cross-border terrorism after Pakistan took over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council. India pointed to the recent Pahalgam massacre which was carried out by Pakistan-backed militants. The move comes amid concerns of rising global instability after India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the attack.
A day before Pakistan assumed the presidency, India organised an exhibition titled 'The Human Cost of Terrorism' at the entrance of the United Nations building to highlight Pakistan's role in terrorism, showing its involvement not only in India but also in global attacks like 9/11. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the exhibition was to expose the culprits behind terrorism and seek unity against terrorism at the global level.
In the Security Council, Pakistan works closely with its 'evergreen friend' China. As president, Pakistan must follow the rules of procedure and diplomatic traditions, including allowing members to speak and introducing resolutions. The agenda for the month is adopted unanimously on the first day of the council meeting. In 2023, Russia blocked it during the presidency of the US and Albania, which led to the council working with a temporary agenda.
Islamabad as chair will hold high-level signature events and open debates on topics of its choice. Pakistan can hold high-level meetings and open debates. Its permanent representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmed will chair most of the meetings, but leaders such as Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar may also attend.
Meanwhile, Pakistan may nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Prize, but it is with Russia and China on issues such as Iran and the Israel-Hamas conflict. In the emergency session on Iran last month, Pakistan demanded condemnation of the US and Israeli attacks.
Pakistan, along with China and Russia, had tabled a draft resolution condemning the US and Israeli bombing. However, it was put on hold because of the ceasefire and would have faced a US veto in any case. Pakistan sides with Palestine in the Israel-Hamas conflict and tries to link Kashmir to the issue, but has so far not succeeded in gaining support. Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member last year as a representative of the Asia-Pacific region and joined the Council in January.