The United Nations has appointed a Pakistani representative to head the Afghan Taliban sanctions committee.
Author: Ahmad Saeedi, Afghanistan and regional analyst (Switzerland), especially for Sangar
Original article: مرغ پاکستان تخم طلایی داد
In the photo: Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, has been appointed chair of the U.N. Security Council’s 1988 Sanctions Committee, which monitors sanctions targeting the Taliban, according to a newly released list of committee leadership roles for 2025.
The UN's decision to elect a Pakistani representative to head the Afghan Taliban Sanctions Committee (based on the 1988 resolution) and to hand over the post of vice-chairman of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee to Pakistan is a major diplomatic development. This development could have multifaceted implications for the Taliban, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the international community.
With Pakistan chairing the sanctions committee, there will likely be tighter monitoring of the Afghan Taliban. This monitoring could include additional travel restrictions, asset freezes, and preferential sanctions against the Taliban. Because the relationship between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan does not seem very favorable at present, there is a possibility that Pakistan will take advantage of this new situation.
This choice may prompt the Taliban to reconsider its policies and pay more attention to the demands of the international community, especially in the areas of human rights and counter-terrorism.
The appointments by the international community are seen as a confirmation of Pakistan’s active role in the fight against terrorism and its commitment to regional security. Pakistan can influence events in Afghanistan and Taliban policies by holding key roles in the UN Security Council structures, especially in the fight against armed groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that operate from Afghanistan.
Some countries and institutions may be concerned that Pakistan will use its new position to advance its national interests, especially given its historical ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
To effectively use this position, Pakistan must demonstrate transparency and impartiality in implementing sanctions and counter-terrorism policies to gain the trust of the international community.
Implications
The appointment of Pakistani representatives to these key positions in the UN is an opportunity to increase pressure on the Taliban and strengthen the fight against terrorism in the region. However, the success of this approach depends on Pakistan's commitment to the impartial application of sanctions and effective cooperation with other countries.
