It took Pakistan just 47 days to go from independence to United Nations membership — one of the fastest admissions in the organisation’s history. Here is exactly how Pakistan became a member of the UN: the cable, the two resolutions, and the diplomats who made it happen.
Quick answer: Pakistan became a member of the UN on 30 September 1947, when the General Assembly adopted Resolution 108 (II). The Security Council had unanimously recommended admission on 18 August 1947 (Resolution 29). Pakistan was the UN’s 57th member state.
In this guide
The independence-day cable
On 15 August 1947 — the very day of independence — Pakistan’s Foreign Minister sent a cable to the UN Secretary-General. Its logic was careful: Pakistan considered itself entitled to automatic membership as a successor to British India’s UN seat, but added the fallback line: “If, however, this view is not accepted, I hereby apply for admission of Pakistan as a Member of the United Nations.” India supported the application. Afghanistan opposed it, citing the Durand Line — the first airing at the UN of a dispute that still simmers.
Resolution 29: the Security Council says yes
On 18 August 1947, at its 186th meeting, the Security Council examined Pakistan’s application against Article 4 of the Charter — peace-loving state, able and willing to carry out Charter obligations — and found it satisfied without even referring the matter to the Committee on Admission of New Members. It then unanimously adopted Resolution 29 (1947), recommending Pakistan (together with Yemen) for admission. Unanimity, in three days, with one objector noted and set aside: about as smooth as UN admissions get.
Resolution 108: the General Assembly vote
The General Assembly took longer, because lawyers argued over succession: should both India and Pakistan inherit British India’s seat automatically, or both apply fresh? No definitive legal conclusion was reached — but the Assembly agreed on the practical point: Pakistan’s membership should not be delayed. On 30 September 1947, at its 92nd plenary meeting, it adopted Resolution 108 (II), admitting Pakistan as the 57th member state. (For the record, the UN’s official member list still dates Pakistan’s admission to “30 Sep. 1947.”)
Pakistan’s first UN team
Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan — Pakistan’s first Foreign Minister — headed the first delegation as Permanent Representative. Within a week of admission he was addressing the Assembly’s committee on Palestine, opposing partition and urging a democratic unitary state. His trajectory after 1947 is unmatched by any Pakistani diplomat since: President of the UN General Assembly (1962–63) and President of the International Court of Justice (1970–73).
For the broader story see when Pakistan joined the UN, the full explainer when did Pakistan join the UN?, and Pakistan’s 8 Security Council terms.
Frequently asked questions
On what date did Pakistan become a member of the UN?
30 September 1947 — via General Assembly Resolution 108 (II).
Was Pakistan’s admission opposed?
Afghanistan opposed it over the Durand Line, but the Security Council recommended admission unanimously and the Assembly admitted Pakistan without recorded opposition.
Who was Pakistan’s first ambassador to the UN?
Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, as Permanent Representative — later UNGA President and ICJ President.
