Pakistan has called the abolition — or at the very least, the strict limitation — of veto power in the UN Security Council “inevitable,” warning that the existing imbalance of global power has become dangerous and increasingly harmful to international peace.
Speaking during a debate on the right of veto at the UN General Assembly session, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, said that global security challenges are worsening because major powers misuse their veto authority for political rivalries.
Pakistan warns veto misuse harming global peace
Asim Iftikhar expressed deep concern over the growing imbalance of power in the world body. He said that the United Nations General Assembly remains the largest platform for global democratic processes — yet the misuse of the veto continues to block equitable decision-making.
“The improper use of veto makes issues of international peace and security more complex,” he said, stressing that major power rivalries directly contribute to this misuse.
Opposition to increasing permanent seats
Pakistan reiterated its firm opposition to proposals seeking to expand the number of permanent members in the Security Council.
Asim Iftikhar argued that adding more permanent seats — particularly those with veto authority — would “increase the problem many times over” and further deteriorate the already skewed balance of power.
Pakistan warned that expanding veto privileges would cement existing inequalities and deepen geopolitical divides.
Abolition or strict control of veto
Calling the veto “the core obstacle to reform,” Pakistan said the only sustainable solution is to eliminate it altogether or enforce strict limitations on its use.
Asim Iftikhar emphasized that any extension of veto power is unacceptable. Strict limits must be imposed if its abolition is not immediately possible, he added.
He linked meaningful progress on the veto issue to the overall reform of the Security Council, arguing that no reform is possible while veto powers remain unchecked.
To make the Security Council “more democratic and representative,” Pakistan proposed increasing the number of elected non-permanent members from 10 to 20.
According to Asim Iftikhar, doubling the number of non-permanent seats would improve the balance of power in the Council and give more countries a voice in shaping global peace and security frameworks.
“The Security Council can be made more democratic by increasing the number of elected non-permanent members,” he said.
