India working with "partners and friends" on the UN Security Council to blunt Pakistan’s moves ... and efforts have paid dividends

The UN Counter Terrorism Committee - CTC was established by UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1373 after the September 11th attacks. 

It consists of all fifteen members of the UNSC and is responsible for ensuring that all states/nations follow the resolution. 

Pakistan has got the position of vice chairman of the 1373 CTC along with France and Russia.

The position allocated to Pakistan is far below its aspiration, is how it is being described at certain circles.  Sources said Pakistan’s role as a state sponsor of terrorism is well known. 

India will be working “closely with friends” in the UNSC. 

Pakistan's unease at the UN body when it comes to terrorism and its complications remain unchanged.

“Out of around 254 individuals and 89 entities designated in the 1267 Sanctions Committee (Al-Qaeda and ISIL), Pakistan has the unrivalled distinction of over 50 individuals and entities linked to it designated in the 1267 Sanctions Committee… it is Pakistan which is at unease," reported 'The Indian Express'.

Attributing to sources it also said, "...more of Pakistani nationals and entities will be added to the Sanctions Committees/Regimes". 

This is an apparent setback as Pakistan was desperately lobbying for key positions in important UN panels.

Pakistan sought chairmanship of the 1267 Sanctions Committee; 1540 (Non-Proliferation) Sanctions Committee; 1988 (Taliban) Committee and Chair of the 1373 Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC). 

However, the bitter truth is India is working with its "partners and friends" on the UN Security Council to blunt Pakistan’s moves.  

Pakistan had to be satisfied with “only one full Chairship” — Chair of the 1988 (Taliban) Sanctions Committee [Russia and Guyana are the Vice-Chairs].

The other positions Pakistan will have are Vice-Chair of the 1373 CTC [along with France and Russia]; Sanctions Informal Working Group (IWG) [Co-Chair with Greece] and Documentation IWG [Co-chair with Denmark.] 

Notably, India also chaired the same 1988 (Taliban) Sanctions Committee during its UNSC 2021-22 term along with the Chair of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee. 

The position of Vice-Chair of 1373 CTC which Pakistan was allocated is not something very substantive. 

It is more 'ceremonial'. 

From New Delhi's perspective, Islamabad was almost snubbed as Pakistan has not been able to get its way. 

India was the Chair of the 1373 CTC in 2022. India had earlier also, during its 2011-12 UNSC term, chaired the 1373 CTC.

Moreover, for the first time in the history of the UNSC, an IWG will have two co-Chairs. This can be interpreted as a move by the Council to rein in Pakistan. 

Despite the Pakistani delegation’s visit to the UN, the result is not something Pakistan will be happy with. 

This reflects Pakistan’s standing and credibility in the UN -- a fact that goes without stating. 

All major terrorist attacks and networks have their origins in Pakistan. 

Some examples are:

Osama Bin Laden, who was located and killed in Pakistan, had contributed 10 million rupees for the construction of Markaz Taiba, Muridke.

Ramzi Ahmed Yousef (LeT), nephew of mastermind Khalid Sheikh Muhammad of the 1993 World Trade Centre attack, took refuge in Muridke.

David Headley had met UN designated terrorists at the LeT training centres in Muridke and Muzaffarabad.

ends