Pakistan wants the veto eliminated and has rejected any increase of it within the United Nations Security Council after a UN study stated this privilege merely blocks attempts to finish conflicts.
During a UN General Assembly debate regarding veto usage on Monday, Gul Qaiser Sarwani, who serves as Counsellor and Political Coordinator at Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN, delivered these statements.
“Let us be clear: the problems cannot be the solution,” he said, while demanding a thorough, democratic, and fair overhaul of the Council.
Abolish or Severely Restrict the Veto
Sarwani stated that Pakistan seeks the removal of the veto or, minimally, strict limits placed on it, emphasizing that it must never grow.
He noted that abusing the veto weakens the effectiveness of the Security Council and hurts the reputation of the United Nations.
Competing agendas and selfish motives among the five permanent members have consistently prevented joint responses regarding global peace and security.
Pakistan additionally backed General Assembly resolution 76/262, which mandates the Assembly to convene a discussion whenever a veto happens in the Council.
Sarwani mentioned that any measures to limit the veto must align properly with the UN Charter.
No New Permanent Seats
Alongside the Uniting for Consensus group, Pakistan rejects creating any new permanent positions within an enlarged Council. Having secured election as a non-permanent UNSC member in 2024, Pakistan prefers increasing elected members with expanded influence.
Sarwani explained that a larger elected contingent would render the Council decision-making process more democratic and serve as a useful limitation on the veto.
He noted that the veto matter needs resolution alongside the other four reform areas under the Intergovernmental Negotiations as a single complete package.
“Reform for all. Privilege for none,” he said.
