Pakistan has taken over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of July 2025, marking its return to the powerful international forum after a 12-year gap. This marks Pakistan's first UNSC presidency since 2013, and the country’s leadership has already announced two high-level thematic sessions to be convened during its term.

According to an official statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the presidency will focus on reinforcing multilateral diplomacy and emphasizing the peaceful resolution of global disputes. The announcement came amid mounting tensions with India over Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, adding a complex layer to Pakistan's month-long leadership of the UN's most influential body.

UNSC Events Under Pakistan’s Presidency

As per the announcement, Pakistan will chair two signature events:

1. Open Debate on July 22:
   The event titled “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” will seek to explore diplomatic tools and platforms that prevent conflict escalation and encourage peaceful global engagement.

2. Briefing on July 24:
   A special session will be held on “Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations”, focusing on how international institutions can strengthen conflict mediation and peacekeeping mechanisms.

Both events will be chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, signaling Islamabad’s intent to use its leadership role to highlight key global issues aligned with its foreign policy priorities.

A Strategic Moment in Global Diplomacy

Pakistan’s presidency arrives at a pivotal time in international politics, particularly South Asia, where India-Pakistan relations remain strained due to terrorism-related incidents, disputed territorial claims over Jammu & Kashmir, and the ongoing disagreement over the Indus Waters Treaty. The UNSC platform offers Pakistan an opportunity to raise its profile on global diplomatic issues and assert its stance on multilateralism, especially as tensions rise with neighboring India.

This return to UNSC leadership also underscores Pakistan’s efforts to rebuild its international image amidst domestic political instability, economic challenges, and ongoing concerns over extremism and governance.

India-Pakistan Water Dispute Surfaces Again

The diplomatic tone between India and Pakistan has further soured due to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) issue. On June 30, just a day before assuming the presidency, Pakistan urged India to resume the normal functioning of the treaty, which New Delhi placed “in abeyance” in May 2025, shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack.

The move came after a supplemental ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which, according to Pakistan, affirmed the treaty's continued validity and operational status. In contrast, India outrightly rejected the ruling, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) calling it “a charade at Pakistan’s behest”.

India’s MEA further clarified that it does not recognise the so-called framework or any arbitration process initiated by Pakistan under the treaty, particularly concerning Pakistan's objections to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects.

Pakistan’s Assertion on Treaty Validity

In a strongly worded statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office responded by stating that the supplemental award dated June 27 vindicates Islamabad’s position, reinforcing the assertion that India has no right to unilaterally alter or suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.

“We urge India to immediately resume the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty, and fulfil its treaty obligations, wholly and faithfully,” the statement added.

This public and international appeal, made at the time of assuming UNSC presidency, indicates Pakistan’s intent to leverage its diplomatic position to draw attention to South Asian security and bilateral treaty issues. However, India maintains a hardened stance, viewing Pakistan’s attempts at internationalising the matter as interference in what it considers a bilateral issue.

Backdrop: UNSC Presidency and Global Implications

The UNSC presidency rotates monthly among its 15 members, and Pakistan currently serves as a non-permanent member. While largely symbolic, the presidency offers Pakistan the chance to influence the Council's agenda, chair meetings, and issue press statements on pressing international security concerns.

Although the Council’s permanent members (China, France, Russia, UK, US) hold veto powers, non-permanent members like Pakistan can still initiate debates, draft presidential statements, and spotlight issues significant to their national and regional interests.

Pakistan’s presidency also reflects its deepening diplomatic engagement with multilateral institutions, a direction championed by the Shehbaz Sharif government, which has struggled with a fragile economy, internal political dissent, and ongoing challenges of governance.

India’s Geostrategic Response

India, which currently is not a member of the UNSC, has taken a watchful stance on Pakistan’s upcoming events. Analysts expect India to counter Pakistan’s narrative via bilateral diplomacy and possibly through its allies on the UNSC, particularly France and the US, both of whom have strong relations with New Delhi and share India’s concerns about cross-border terrorism.

India has also ramped up its strategic outreach, especially with Central Asian nations, the Gulf countries, and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where it aims to build consensus on its position regarding the Indus Treaty dispute and broader regional stability.

Global Stakes: Multilateralism, Security, and the Subcontinent

Pakistan’s declared themes for the UNSC month — peace through multilateralism and strengthening regional cooperation — carry resonance in the current global context. From Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza, to Sudan and Myanmar, global crises have cast doubt on the UN’s effectiveness.

Pakistan aims to reignite dialogue on the UN’s credibility, especially on settling disputes peacefully — a message it hopes will find support among developing nations, OIC countries, and China. However, critics argue that Pakistan's own record on cross-border conflict and internal human rights makes it a questionable flagbearer of peace.

Conclusion: A Diplomatic Test for Pakistan

As Pakistan takes the helm of the UN Security Council for July 2025, it faces the challenge of balancing its domestic crises with international diplomacy, and of using the opportunity to amplify its voice without isolating itself further.

With two important UNSC events ahead and a geopolitical climate charged by India-Pakistan tensions, Pakistan’s presidency will be closely watched by the global community. Whether it manages to redefine its image as a responsible multilateral actor, or simply uses the platform to advance narrow national interests, remains to be seen.

Either way, July 2025 is poised to be a significant month in South Asian diplomacy — with ramifications that may stretch well beyond the halls of the UN in New York.

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