Pakistan Opposes Adding New Permanent Members to UN Security Council

Pakistan has firmly opposed the addition of any new permanent members to the United Nations Security Council, arguing instead for an expansion of elected, non-permanent seats to make the body more democratic, representative and accountable.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who is set to take charge as the country’s new foreign secretary next week, outlined Islamabad’s position in remarks reported on Monday.

“Developments in recent years in the peace and security landscape and within the Security Council, as well as increased criticism of the role of the permanent members, have further reinforced the belief of a wide majority of member states that we need a more democratic, representative and accountable Security Council,” he said.

“Adding any new individual permanent members would only aggravate the problem. In simple words, the problem cannot be the solution.”

Pakistan, working with members of the Uniting for Consensus group and other like-minded countries, has long advocated a reformed Council with more elected members. This would include medium-term seats based on periodic elections and rotation, rather than creating new permanent seats with associated privileges.

“Pakistan and many other countries are eminently qualified to bring their contribution to the Security Council and the maintenance of international peace and security,” Ambassador Ahmad said. “Member states should be ready to fulfil that responsibility without permanence and privilege.”

The stance aligns with Pakistan’s consistent position as part of the Uniting for Consensus group, which includes countries such as Italy, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Argentina and others. The group rejects new permanent seats and prioritises broader elected membership to address underrepresentation, particularly of Africa and other regions, while upholding the principle of sovereign equality.

The 15-member Security Council currently has five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Reform efforts through the Intergovernmental Negotiations process have remained stalled for years amid competing proposals, including those from the G4 countries seeking permanent seats.