ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday congratulated Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe on their election as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term.
In a post on X, Dar extended his best wishes to the five countries, expressing confidence in their ability to fulfil the responsibilities that come with serving on the council.
“We wish them every success in discharging this important responsibility,” he said.
Dar noted that Pakistan would continue serving on the UNSC through the end of 2026 and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting peace, security, dialogue and multilateral cooperation during its tenure.
He also expressed Pakistan’s desire to work closely with the incoming members of the council to advance shared goals and contribute to a more peaceful, secure and equitable international order.
“We look forward to working closely with the incoming members in pursuit of our shared objectives and a more peaceful, secure, and equitable world,” Dar added.
The United Nations Security Council consists of 15 members, of which 10 are elected by the UN General Assembly for fixed terms. The remaining five permanent members — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States — hold veto power and are not subject to election.
On Wednesday, the UN General Assembly elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council for two-year terms beginning on January 1, 2027.
One of the most closely watched contests took place within the Western European and Others Group, where Germany campaigned vigorously for a seat. However, it finished third with 104 votes, behind Portugal, which secured 134 votes, and Austria, which received 131 votes, allowing the latter two countries to claim the available seats.
The race for the Asia-Pacific Group seat proved particularly competitive, with Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines contesting the position. The election required four rounds of voting before Kyrgyzstan secured the necessary two-thirds majority, winning 142 votes against the Philippines’ 49.
The result marks a significant milestone for Kyrgyzstan, which will take up its first-ever seat on the UN Security Council.
Pakistan is currently serving as a non-permanent member of the Security Council after being elected in 2024 for a historic eighth term. The country secured overwhelming support, receiving 182 of the 190 votes cast in the General Assembly.
Representing the Asia-Pacific Group, Pakistan will continue its current term on the Security Council until the end of 2026.