UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has urged the abolition or substantial curbs on the veto power of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), arguing that its misuse undermines the body’s effectiveness, weakens the credibility of the United Nations and perpetuates inequality among member states.
Speaking at a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debate on Monday, Gul Qaiser Sarwani, Counsellor and Political Coordinator at Pakistan’s UN Mission, said the unrestricted use of the veto gave the five permanent Security Council members — the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom — disproportionate influence over the UN system.
He called for reforms to address what Pakistan described as the Council’s “institutional paralysis” and make it more democratic, representative and capable of fulfilling its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.
The debate was held under UNGA Resolution 76/262, adopted in April 2022, which requires the General Assembly to convene within 10 working days whenever a veto is exercised in the Security Council.
Addressing proposals to expand the Council’s permanent membership, Sarwani warned that adding more permanent seats and extending veto privileges would aggravate existing inequalities, preserve historical advantages and create additional centres of power, increasing the risk of further institutional deadlock.
His remarks came amid efforts by India, Brazil, Germany and Japan to secure permanent membership of the Security Council.
“Let us be clear: the problems cannot be the solution,” Sarwani said, reaffirming Pakistan’s opposition to adding new permanent members under the Italy- and Pakistan-led Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group.
“We believe that the veto should be abolished or at least severely restricted; it must not be expanded,” he said.
Sarwani also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Resolution 76/262, stressing that any initiative aimed at limiting or restraining the veto must remain consistent with the provisions of the UN Charter.
Addressing the veto’s ability to block Security Council decisions, he said its influence could be counterbalanced by imposing restrictions on its use or strengthening the representation and role of elected members. Increasing the number of elected seats and adjusting decision-making thresholds, he added, could help make the Council more democratic and provide an effective check on veto power.
Opening the session, UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh said the 21 meetings held under the veto initiative had established an important mechanism for promoting transparency, accountability and collective responsibility within the United Nations.
He welcomed the Security Council’s timely submission of special reports to the General Assembly and the participation of permanent members in the ensuing debates.
Rahman said the UN’s effectiveness depended on both principal organs maintaining a balance and carrying out their distinct but complementary responsibilities under the Charter.
Emphasising the consequences of Security Council inaction, he said its inability to reach decisive outcomes had serious implications for people affected by armed conflicts, insecurity and humanitarian crises, with civilians in the worst-affected areas bearing the greatest burden.
He expressed hope that Council members would reach the consensus needed to take decisive action for peace, reducing the need to invoke the veto initiative.
Rahman also urged delegates to ensure that the discussions produced meaningful progress rather than becoming repetitive exercises, stressing the importance of keeping diplomatic engagement alive.
“No veto should bring an end to dialogue and diplomacy,” he said, reaffirming the need for the UN Charter’s principles to guide international efforts to achieve peace.
During the subsequent debate, delegates raised concerns about the consequences of a Security Council dominated by veto powers, highlighting how decisions taken by a handful of states can have far-reaching effects on conflict-affected regions and territories around the world.
