Pakistan has been appointed to two significant roles in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2025-26.
1. Vice chair of the UN's Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC).
2. Chair of the 1988 Sanctions Committee (also known as the Taliban Santions Committee).
This has triggered widespread criticism and international concern, especially from India, due to Pakistan's long-standing record of supporting terrorist outfits, including many UN-designated terrorist organizations.
UN Counter-Terrorism Committee(CTC)
You are referring to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), which was established by Resolution 1373 in 2001 in response to the September 11 attacks. The key points regarding the CTC include:
1. Mandates: The resolution requires all UN member states to take specific actions to combat terrorism, including:
- Criminalizing the financing of terrorism.
- Freezing the assets of individuals and entities associated with terrorism.
- Denying safe havens to terrorists.
2. Vice-Chair Role: The Vice-Chair of the CTC plays a crucial role in shaping global counter-terrorism policies and ensuring that member states comply with the mandates set forth in the resolution. This includes monitoring the implementation of counter-terrorism measures and providing guidance and support to member states.
3. Global Cooperation: The CTC promotes international cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism, facilitating the sharing of information and best practices among member states.
4. Capacity Building: The committee also focuses on building the capacity of member states to effectively combat terrorism, providing technical assistance and resources where needed.
UNSC 1988 Sanctions Committee
This Committee was established by the United Nations Security Council under Resolution 1988 (2011). This committee is responsible for overseeing sanctions against individuals and entities associated with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Here are the key aspects of the committee:
1. Background: The committee was initially established in 1999 under Resolution 1267 to impose sanctions on the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. It was later expanded to include Al-Qaeda following the events of September 11, 2001.
2. Sanctions: The sanctions imposed by the committee include:
- Asset freezes: Member states are required to freeze the assets of designated individuals and entities.
- Travel bans: Individuals associated with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda are prohibited from traveling.
- Arms embargo: A ban on the supply of arms and military equipment to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
3. Designation Process: The committee maintains a list of individuals and entities subject to sanctions. Member states can propose individuals or entities for inclusion on this list, and the committee reviews these proposals.
4. Monitoring and Compliance: The committee monitors the implementation of sanctions and compliance by member states. It also engages in dialogue with member states to address challenges related to the enforcement of sanctions.
5. Humanitarian Exemptions: The committee recognizes the need for humanitarian assistance and allows for exemptions to ensure that aid can reach those in need, provided it does not benefit the sanctioned individuals or entities.
6. Recent Developments: The committee has adapted its focus over the years, particularly in response to the evolving nature of terrorism and the situation in Afghanistan.
Irony & Controversy
Pakistan's History of Supporting Terrorism
Pakistan's history of supporting terrorism is complex and multifaceted, involving various geopolitical, ideological, and historical factors. Here are some key points that outline this history:
1. Afghan-Soviet War (1979-1989): Pakistan played a significant role in supporting the Afghan mujahideen against the Soviet invasion. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan's intelligence agency, facilitated the flow of arms, training, and funding to various militant groups, some of which later evolved into terrorist organizations.
2. Kashmir Conflict: Since the late 1980s, Pakistan has been accused of supporting militant groups operating in Indian-administered Kashmir. Organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) have received backing from Pakistan, with the aim of promoting insurgency against Indian forces in the region.
3. Formation of Proxy Groups: The ISI has been involved in the creation and support of various proxy groups to further Pakistan's strategic interests, particularly in India and Afghanistan. These groups have often engaged in terrorist activities, both domestically and internationally.
4. Post-9/11 Era: After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Pakistan faced increased scrutiny regarding its support for terrorist organizations. While the Pakistani government officially aligned with the U.S. in the War on Terror, various factions within the military and intelligence services continued to support certain groups, viewing them as strategic assets.
5. Terrorist Attacks: Pakistan has experienced numerous terrorist attacks, some of which have been linked to groups that the state has historically supported. High-profile attacks, such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks carried out by LeT, have drawn international condemnation and highlighted the issue of state-sponsored terrorism.
6. Internal Challenges: The support for terrorism has also led to significant internal challenges for Pakistan, including the rise of extremist groups that have turned against the state itself. The Pakistani military has conducted operations against various militant factions, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has carried out attacks within the country.
7. International Relations: Pakistan's support for terrorism has strained its relations with several countries, particularly the United States and India. The U.S. has repeatedly called on Pakistan to take stronger action against terrorist groups operating from its territory.
India's Strong Objection
At a UNSC meeting chaired by China, India's UN Ambassador P Harish described Pakistan as a global epicentre of terrorism. India accused Pakistan of misusing international platforms to shield its terror proxies and block sanction proposals. Past examples include China (Pakistan' ally) repeatedly blocking India's attempts to list Masood Azhar under UNSC 1267 sanctions.
Sanctions Manipulation Risk
Although only permanent members (P5) have veto power, Pakistan now as committee chair can delay or block action by procedural means. Pakistan can stall listing of terrorist it supports, dilute sanctions language and suppress evidence or delay consensus on enforcement.
Allowing a country with state-sponsored terrorism accusations to shape global anti-terror norms seriously damages the UN's credibility. Signals hypocrisy and politicization of multilateral institutions.
Impact on Afghanistan
Pakistan's strategic depth policy in Afganistan through Taliban has already destabilized the region. Now chairing the Taliban Sanctions Committee can influence international pressure on the Taliban regime, potentially shielding extremist behavior.
How Did Pakistan Get Elected
Elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2025-2026). Each UNSC member usually chairs or vice-chairs one or more subsidiary bodies. China repotedly lobbied for Pakistan to get the Sanctions Committee chairmanship a strategic move to counterbalance India and the West
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