Web Desk – New York, United States: Pakistan has called for either the abolition or strict limitation of the veto power held by permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the mechanism no longer reflects modern global realities and is increasingly obstructing international peace efforts.
Speaking at the third session of intergovernmental negotiations in New York, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said repeated deadlocks in the Security Council are a direct result of what he described as the “misuse of veto power” by permanent members.
He stated that the veto system represents an outdated structure of global governance and warned that proposals to expand permanent membership while extending veto rights would deepen existing contradictions within the UN system.
Pakistan’s position, he emphasized, is clear: either the veto should be completely abolished or its use should be strictly regulated through binding limitations.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad further said Pakistan opposes any expansion of veto privileges or the addition of new permanent members with veto rights, arguing that such changes would further complicate global decision-making.
He also stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of veto power, calling for a stronger role for the UN General Assembly in oversight mechanisms.
Pakistan proposed expanding the number of elected (non-permanent) members instead of increasing permanent membership, suggesting this would improve balance within the Council and reduce the ease with which resolutions can be blocked.
According to Pakistan, a broader membership base would raise the political cost of veto use by requiring wider consensus against any resolution.
Pakistan concluded by urging a comprehensive reform package for the Security Council, insisting that genuine reform must avoid granting special privileges to any single country or group of countries.
