Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Role at the UN Sparks Strategic and Security Concerns

Context:

• In June, Pakistan was appointed to lead the Taliban Sanctions Committee and serve as Vice-Chair of the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC).

• This development has triggered concerns due to Pakistan’s long-standing links with terrorist organisations targeting India.

• The decision poses diplomatic, security, and strategic challenges for India, particularly in multilateral counter-terrorism forums.

Key Highlights:

UN Appointments and Credibility Issues

• Pakistan’s elevation occurred despite credible evidence of its support to terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

• Alleged logistical, financial, and operational backing by Pakistan’s military and ISI contradicts the core mandate of the CTC.

• The UN selection process lacks rigorous vetting mechanisms to ensure compliance with counter-terrorism norms.

India’s Security Response

• Following the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025), India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure along the Line of Control (LoC).

• The operation highlighted India’s proactive counter-terrorism posture amid increasing asymmetric threats.

Financial and Diplomatic Dimensions

• In May 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1 billion loan to Pakistan.

• Concerns persist over diversion of funds toward terror financing, given Pakistan’s past record.

• Pakistan’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list (October 2022) is cited as an example of insufficient enforcement of global standards.

Strategic Implications for India

• Pakistan’s UN role enables it to shape global counter-terrorism narratives, potentially blocking sanctions against Pakistan-based terrorists.

• The enhanced diplomatic position may embolden cross-border infiltration, proxy warfare, and cyber-attacks.

• India needs to:

  • Strengthen diplomatic coalitions with like-minded countries.

  • Actively engage in UN deliberations to counter misinformation.

  • Enhance intelligence-sharing and internal security preparedness.

  • Explore measured engagement with the Taliban regime to limit Pakistan’s strategic leverage in Afghanistan.

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS Paper 2 – International Relations

  • Prelims:

    • Roles of UNSC Committees, CTC, FATF, and IMF.

    • Pakistan’s position in global multilateral institutions.

  • Mains:

    • Credibility deficit in global counter-terrorism architecture.

    • India’s diplomatic challenges in multilateral forums.

    • Need for reforms in UN institutional decision-making.

• GS Paper 3 – Internal Security

  • Prelims:

    • Terror organisations: LeT, JeM.

    • Concepts of asymmetric warfare and terror financing.

  • Mains:

    • External state sponsorship of terrorism and its impact on India’s internal security.

    • Role of intelligence, cyber security, and border management in countering terrorism.