The United Nations witnessed a significant moment on Thursday when Pakistan decided to abstain from voting on a resolution aimed at extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts that assists the Iran sanctions committee of the Security Council. This vote was initiated by the United States.
The resolution ultimately failed to pass after both China and Russia, who hold permanent membership in the Security Council, cast their votes against it, thereby exercising their veto power. Out of the 15 members in the Council, 11, including the United States, Britain, and France, supported the resolution, while two members, including Pakistan, opted to abstain.
The discussions surrounding the draft resolution highlighted the profound divisions within the Security Council regarding the matter of Iran’s nuclear program. A key point of contention was the triggering of the “snapback” mechanism, which would reimpose previously lifted UN sanctions on Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the 2015 Security Council Resolution 2231.
Pakistan’s Position and Concerns
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, articulated the country’s position, indicating that Islamabad is increasingly worried about the growing complexities surrounding the Iran nuclear issue. He emphasized that the Security Council has deviated from the cooperative spirit that characterized the adoption of Resolution 2231 back in 2015.
He stated, “Diplomacy and dialogue remain the guiding principle” for addressing the unresolved matters regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The US-proposed draft aimed to prolong the experts’ mandate until September 2027, necessitating the panel to furnish recommendations for updating sanctions-related measures, as well as quarterly and annual reports to the UNSC.
The Panel of Experts, formed under UNSC Resolution 1929 in 2010, is tasked with overseeing the enforcement of sanctions imposed on Iran, providing assessments and recommendations to the Security Council. Its initial mandate is set to expire on September 26.
Wider Implications and Future Engagement
This disagreement over the panel is a segment of a broader contention regarding the UN sanctions framework, particularly following the activation of the snapback mechanism by Britain, France, and Germany in 2025. Pakistan has consistently advocated for resolving nuclear issues through diplomatic means rather than through confrontational approaches.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmad noted that Pakistan had previously encouraged the Council to allow additional time for diplomacy by extending Resolution 2231 technically. He asserted that a non-confrontational and collaborative approach would have created an environment more conducive to achieving a lasting resolution.
He reiterated that the Iran nuclear situation should be managed through peaceful negotiations, stressing the need to honor the rights and obligations of all parties involved. Pakistan also voiced its unwavering support for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), describing it as the body responsible for ensuring compliance with safeguards agreements. Ambassador Ahmad urged that the IAEA should execute its duties independently, without political pressures.
Furthermore, he called for a revival of diplomatic initiatives and encouraged all parties to recommit to negotiations. Pakistan referenced the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, urging a return to the negotiating table and adherence to the commitments made in the agreement.
