Global Irony: Pakistan to Lead Taliban Sanctions Committee, Vice-Chair UN Counter-Terror Panel

ANN NEWS DESK 

New York – In a controversial turn, Pakistan, often criticized for its links to global terrorism, is poised to chair the United Nations Security Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee in 2025. It will also serve as vice-chair of the Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

The Taliban Sanctions Committee, also known as the 1988 Committee, enforces asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes on entities linked to the Taliban that threaten Afghanistan’s peace and security. Pakistan’s leadership of this key body has sparked widespread debate given its history with extremist groups.

 

 

 

 

Guyana and Russia will support Pakistan as vice-chairs of the Taliban Sanctions Committee. Meanwhile, Algeria will chair the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee, with Pakistan, France, and Russia serving as vice-chairs.

 

 

 

 

Pakistan’s new roles stem from its position as a non-permanent member of the 15-nation UN Security Council for the 2025–26 term, which also grants it co-chairmanship of two informal working groups on sanctions and procedural matters.

 

 

 

 

Critics argue this decision undermines the credibility of the UN’s counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting the need for reforms in global governance structures.