New York: Pakistan has announced its readiness to collaborate with African nations and other partners to achieve a just, democratic, and representative United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This stance aims to better reflect the principles of the UN Charter and address contemporary global realities.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, articulated this position during a meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiations framework on the African Model Discussion. In his address, Ambassador Ahmad echoed the statement delivered by Italy on behalf of the Uniting for Consensus group, emphasizing the need for reform in the UNSC.

Ambassador Ahmad highlighted Pakistan’s appreciation for the presentation of the African model by Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative, Michael Imran Kanu. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the principle of sovereign equality, which he described as essential to the ongoing reform debate within the UNSC. This principle, he argued, ensures a more democratic, transparent, and accountable Security Council.

The ambassador further noted Pakistan’s understanding of Africa’s demands, as expressed in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. He emphasized that these demands are not about seeking privilege but are centered around justice and equity.

Pakistan remains opposed to the establishment of new permanent seats within the UNSC, arguing that such moves contradict the principles of democracy, accountability, and transparency. Instead, Ambassador Ahmad suggested that increasing the number of elected members would enhance regional representation and legitimacy within the Security Council.