Envoy says veto powers should either be abolished or their use ‘severely restricted’
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, speaking at the UN. PHOTO:
Pakistan on Wednesday called for the abolition or severe curtailment of the veto power in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), while strongly opposing any expansion of the number of permanent members, including the creation of new veto states.
Speaking at the resumed Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) session on Security Council reform, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the current structure often leads to paralysis in global decision-making.
Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad,
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,
During the 3rd IGN Meetings on the “Veto Question” pole
(April 14, 2026)
*******Co-presidents,
Pakistan associates itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished Permanent Representative… pic.twitter.com/eQ9VJQ8I05
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) April 15, 2026
He said Pakistan “strongly believes that the paralysis we often see in the Security Council, leading to inaction on critical issues related to international peace and security, stems from the misuse or abuse of the veto power by the permanent members.”
Ambassador Iftikhar reiterated Pakistan’s position that “any extension of the veto or addition of new individual permanent members is strongly opposed, as more vetoes would only aggravate the problem.”
He called the veto system “anachronistic today” and said Pakistan’s position remains clear and consistent: either it should be abolished or its use “severely restricted.”
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The ambassador also argued that increasing the number of elected, non-permanent members could help rebalance the Security Council. “An increased number of elected members will tip the balance against permanent members,” the envoy said.
He added that when a veto blocks action supported by a large majority, it becomes “more isolated and harder to justify, thereby increasing liability and reputational costs.”
The Pakistani envoy further supported greater transparency in the use of the veto and strengthening mechanisms for the United Nations General Assembly to review and debate such decisions.
The envoy also stressed that Security Council reform must be comprehensive, covering all key issues, including membership categories, regional representation and working methods. He cautioned against treating veto reform in isolation, reiterating: “If we want reform for all, there should be no privilege for any. »
Large-scale negotiations to reform the Security Council began at the General Assembly in February 2009 on five key areas: membership categories, the veto issue, regional representation, the size of an expanded Security Council, and the council’s working methods and its relationship with the General Assembly.
Progress toward restructuring the Security Council remains stalled as G4 countries – India, Brazil, Germany and Japan – continue to push for permanent seats on the council, while the United for Consensus (UfC) group led by Italy and Pakistan opposes any additional permanent members. arguing that this would create “new centers of privilege”.
As a compromise, the UfC proposed a new category of members – not permanent members – with a longer term of office and the possibility of re-election.
The Security Council is currently made up of five permanent members – Britain, China, the United States, France and Russia – and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
The IGN framework aims to restructure the council to make it more representative, effective and accountable.
