Pakistan’s representative to the UN — the Permanent Representative — is the country’s voice in the world’s most important multilateral forum. Here is what the job actually involves.
Quick answer: Pakistan’s representative to the UN (the Permanent Representative) heads the New York mission, speaks in the General Assembly and Security Council, and runs Pakistan’s multilateral diplomacy — including, in Council terms, a rotating presidency.
What the Permanent Representative does
- General Assembly: delivers Pakistan’s positions in the annual general debate and committees
- Security Council: sits on the Council during Pakistan’s elected terms (currently 2025–26)
- Negotiations: bargains resolutions on Kashmir, Palestine, peacekeeping, development and reform
- Representation: presents credentials to the Secretary-General as the head of state’s personal envoy to the UN
The Security Council dimension
Pakistan has served eight terms on the Security Council, most recently 2025–26. During a term, the Permanent Representative sits at the Council table — and each member presides for one month in rotation. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad held the presidency in July 2025, setting the Council’s programme during a month dominated by Middle East crises.
The Permanent Mission in New York
The mission — at 8 East 65th Street, New York — is staffed by career diplomats covering political, economic, legal and press affairs, plus a military adviser during Council terms. It works alongside Pakistan’s UN missions in Geneva and Vienna, which cover human rights, disarmament and specialised agencies.
Frequently asked questions
What does Pakistan’s UN representative do?
Heads the New York mission; represents Pakistan in the General Assembly and Security Council; negotiates resolutions; and presides over the Council in rotation during Council terms.
When did Pakistan last preside over the Security Council?
July 2025 — under Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, during the 2025–26 term.
