Envoy says veto powers should be abolished or use ‘severely restricted’
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, speaking at the UN. PHOTO: X
Pakistan on Wednesday called for the abolition or severe restriction of 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-wielding states.
Speaking during a resumed session of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) 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 Meeting on the “Veto Issue” Cluster
(April 14, 2026)
*******Co-chairs,
Pakistan aligns itself with the statement made 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 believed that the paralysis we often see in the Security Council, leading to inaction on crucial matters relating to international peace and security, is due to misuse or abuse of the veto power by the permanent members.”
Ambassador Iftikhar reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that “there is strong opposition to any expansion of the veto or addition of new individual permanent members, as more vetoes would only aggravate the problem.”
He described the veto system as “anachronistic today” and said Pakistan’s stance remains clear and consistent that it should be abolished or its use “severely restricted.”
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The ambassador also argued that expanding the number of non-permanent elected members could help rebalance the Security Council. “Increasing the number of elected members will tip the balance in favor of permanent members,” the envoy said.
He added that when a veto blocks an action supported by a large majority, it becomes “more isolated and harder to justify, increasing liability and reputational costs.”
The Pakistani envoy also supported greater transparency in the use of the veto and the strengthening of mechanisms that allow the UN General Assembly to review and debate such decisions.
The envoy also emphasized that the reform of the Security Council must be comprehensive and cover all key issues together, including membership categories, regional representation and working methods. He warned against treating veto reform in isolation and reiterated: “If we want reform for everyone, there should be no privileges for anyone.”
In February 2009, large-scale negotiations began in the General Assembly to reform the Security Council in 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 towards restructuring the Security Council remains blocked as the G-4 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 it would create “new centers of privilege.”
As a compromise solution, the UFC has proposed a new category of members (non-permanent members) with a longer duration and the possibility of being re-elected.
The Security Council is currently composed of five permanent members (Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States) and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
The IGN framework is aimed at restructuring the council to make it more representative, effective and accountable.
