In a development stirring global debate, Pakistan has officially assumed the monthly presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on July 1, 2025. This leadership shift comes just two months after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 people and reignited tensions between India and Pakistan.
While Pakistan’s UN mission has emphasized its commitment to global peace and dialogue, the timing has raised eyebrows across diplomatic and public circles, especially in India, where many see the move as deeply ironic.
🔄 What Is the UNSC Presidency?
The presidency of the UNSC rotates monthly among its 15 member states. The country holding the presidency:
- Sets the agenda for Council meetings.
- Chairs debates and high-level sessions.
- Has the power to spotlight specific global issues.
For Pakistan, this is its eighth term holding the presidency, with Ambassador Munir Akram leading the council for the month of July.
💣 The Pahalgam Attack: A Painful Backdrop
On April 22, 2025, the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir was rocked by one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years. Gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying civilians and tourists, killing 26 and injuring over 40.
According to investigations by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), the attack was carried out by members of the Pakistan-backed group The Resistance Front, believed to be a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba. One of the attackers was reportedly a former Pakistani special forces commando, further deepening the outrage in India.
The attack triggered nationwide condemnation, widespread protests, and a diplomatic freeze between New Delhi and Islamabad.
🧭 Pakistan’s Agenda at the UN
Now, as Pakistan takes the UNSC gavel, it has outlined plans to:
- Promote international dialogue on regional peace and security.
- Raise concerns about ongoing global conflicts, including in the Middle East and Ukraine.
- Emphasize the need for multilateralism and reform within the UN.
However, critics argue that Pakistan may try to revive discussions on Kashmir, which India maintains is an internal matter. New Delhi has already signaled its objection to any attempt by Pakistan to “internationalize” the issue during its presidency.
🇮🇳 India’s Response
India has not officially commented on Pakistan’s UNSC presidency, but sources in the Ministry of External Affairs have labeled it “deeply unfortunate” given the unresolved investigations into Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack.
Analysts believe India may use diplomatic backchannels to counter any narrative Pakistan puts forth in the Council, especially if Kashmir or cross-border terrorism is mentioned.
🌍 Global Reactions
While the rotation of UNSC presidency is a routine, procedural matter, Pakistan’s role comes at a sensitive moment:
- The ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control remains fragile.
- India is pushing for stronger global consensus on counterterrorism frameworks.
- Human rights groups are urging both nations to focus on civilian protection and justice for victims of terrorism.
📝 Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s leadership of the UNSC—while temporary—is more than symbolic. It gives the country a global platform to promote its foreign policy priorities. But the recent shadow of the Pahalgam attack makes this presidency controversial, especially in India.
As the international community watches closely, the next four weeks will test Pakistan’s ability to lead constructively—and India’s resolve to ensure that the voices of terror victims are not drowned out in global diplomacy.
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