‘Country Of Terrorists’ Pakistan Gets Key Anti-Terror Role At UNSC, Chairs Taliban Sanctions Panel

Pakistan is often accused of protecting terrorists. However, it has been handed a major responsibility at the United Nations. It will now chair the UNSC’s Taliban Sanctions Committee, the panel that handles bans and restrictions on those threatening peace in Afghanistan. 

The same country has also been made vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, alongside France and Russia. Algeria will lead the committee.

According to the UNSC's 2025 committee list, Pakistan will also co-chair two working groups on sanctions documentation and processes. These appointments come as Pakistan begins its temporary term on the 15-member Security Council for 2025–26.

Pakistan To Head Taliban Sanctions Committee

Pak’s new role in the Taliban Sanctions Committee has raised global concerns. The committee freezes assets, imposes travel bans, and blocks arms deals for Taliban-linked individuals and groups. Critics say it’s ironic that a country long blamed for aiding terror will now be deciding who gets blacklisted.

Additionally, Pakistan will help lead informal working groups on general sanctions and procedural matters. All UNSC sanctions panels operate through consensus, meaning every member has to agree for any decision to pass.

Denmark, meanwhile, will chair the Al-Qaeda and ISIL Sanctions Committee (known as the 1267 Committee), while Russia and Sierra Leone will serve as vice-chairs.

India Reacts Strongly To Pakistan’s UNSC Roles

India wasted no time calling out the move. Officials reminded the global community that Osama bin Laden lived undetected in Abbottabad, Pakistan, for years before the US killed him in 2011. New Delhi has repeatedly accused Pakistan of sheltering UN-banned terror groups and figures.

Back in 2022, India held the chair of the same Counter-Terrorism Committee. Watching Pak step into that seat now has sparked sharp reactions from Indian analysts and social media users alike.

This is the biggest irony, as the “country of terror” will now help lead anti-terror missions.

New Members Join The Security Council

The UNSC is made up of five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) and ten rotating non-permanent members. The current non-permanent group includes Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia.

In the latest round of elections, Bahrain, Latvia, Liberia, Colombia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo were picked as new non-permanent members. Their terms will run from January 2026 to December 2027.