ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Security Council should undergo reforms that democratize the body rather than create new tiers of privilege, according to Sardar Masood Khan, a former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, as well as the former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Khan emphasized that the Pakistan-supported Uniting for Consensus (UfC) proposal offers a more inclusive and adaptable approach to reform.

According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khan criticized the Group of Four (G4) nations—Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan—stating that their longstanding proposal for reform has become outdated and has failed to gain consensus after nearly three decades. He highlighted that even the existing five permanent members of the Security Council remain divided regarding the addition of new permanent members.

Khan reiterated Pakistan’s position as part of the UfC group, opposing the creation of another tier of permanently privileged states. He underscored that the UN, aligned with its Charter, should remain a democratic organization representing the will of all 193 member states.

He pointed out that the Security Council currently has five permanent members and ten non-permanent members, with the latter representing the interests of the remaining 188 countries. If the goal is to democratize the United Nations and reflect the aspirations of the broader international community, the UfC formula, Khan argued, provides a more representative approach.

Khan noted the significant changes in the international system since the UN’s establishment in 1945, which initially had 51 members. With the emergence of 193 member states following decolonization and the rising influence of the Global South, he described the UfC proposal as contemporary and in line with current global realities.

The UfC proposal suggests increasing the number of elected non-permanent seats from 10 to 20, with rotational seats and some having terms of up to four years. This flexible formula, Khan stated, could accommodate both the G4 nations and emerging middle powers like Pakistan.

Khan highlighted that the UfC group includes countries such as Italy, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Türkiye, and South Korea, which represent emerging middle powers requiring meaningful Security Council representation.

Lastly, Khan noted Pakistan’s significant role in UN peacekeeping missions as a major troop-contributing country. He emphasized that the UfC formula brings greater universality and representation to Security Council reform, aligning with the aspirations of the majority of UN member states.