Pakistan seeks abolition or severe curbs on UN Security Council veto

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan on Tuesday called for comprehensive, democratic and equitable reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC). It warned that misuse of the veto undermines the council's effectiveness and the credibility of the United Nations.

Gul Qaiser Sarwani, Counsellor and Political Coordinator at Pakistan's Mission to the UN, spoke during a General Assembly debate on the use of the veto. He said misuse of the power perpetuates inequalities within the international system.

Mr Sarwani said strategic rivalries and narrow interests among the council's permanent members had repeatedly obstructed collective action on international peace and security.

He pointed to the unique legitimacy of the General Assembly. Its universal membership and democratic decision-making, he said, allow it to respond when the Security Council cannot act, including because a veto has been used.

Mr Sarwani warned that adding permanent members and extending veto privileges would deepen existing inequalities. He said it would also perpetuate historical advantages and raise the risk of paralysis within the council.

Speaking alongside the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group, he reaffirmed Pakistan's opposition to any new permanent seats in an expanded council.

On proposals to regulate the veto, he said Pakistan favoured its abolition or, at a minimum, severe restrictions on its use. He stressed that the veto must not be expanded.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan's support for General Assembly Resolution 76/262. The resolution provides for a General Assembly debate after a veto is exercised, in order to promote greater accountability.

Mr Sarwani said any measure to restrict the veto must remain consistent with the UN Charter.

He called for a balanced approach. This would combine limits on the use of the veto with enhanced representation and a stronger role for the council's elected members.

According to the statement, such steps would make the council's decision-making more democratic and act as an effective check on the veto.

Mr Sarwani added that the veto question must be addressed together with the four other interrelated clusters under the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform, not in isolation.

He said Pakistan remained committed to a reform agenda aimed at correcting structural imbalances. The goal, he said, is to ensure the council serves the interests of the entire UN membership.