UNSC questions Pakistan’s recent actions and rhetoric

Pakistan Back to the wall at UNSC after Pahalgam attack

Heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following the deadly April 22nd terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, prompted closed-door consultations at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday, April 28th, 2025. While initiated at Pakistan's request, the session reportedly saw multiple member states questioning Pakistan's recent actions and rhetoric, ultimately leaving Islamabad isolated on the issue, according to sources familiar with the proceedings. This development occurred amidst warnings from the UN Secretary-General about the volatile situation in the region.

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Pakistan's first mover - UNSC

Pakistan, currently a non-permanent UNSC member, requested the consultations ostensibly to discuss the situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. During the 90-minute meeting, Pakistan's representative reportedly attempted to shift focus onto the Kashmir issue, accusing India of military buildup and making provocative statements. This move was widely perceived as an effort to divert international attention from the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, and for which a Pakistan-based terror group's proxy claimed responsibility.

Council Scrutiny and Concerns Raised

Contrary to Pakistan's objective, several UNSC members reportedly turned the focus towards Islamabad's own conduct. Sources indicated significant concerns were raised regarding:

• Escalating Nuclear Rhetoric: Members questioned recent statements from Pakistan regarding its nuclear capabilities, viewing them as contributing to regional instability.

• Missile Tests: Recent missile testing activities by Pakistan were also flagged as destabilizing actions in the current tense climate.

• Pahalgam Attack Accountability: Participants reportedly rejected Pakistan's attempts to portray the attack potentially as a "false flag" operation and instead pressed for accountability for the violence.

• Terror Group Links: Questions were raised regarding the possible involvement of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the attack, particularly given the claim of responsibility by its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF). Concerns were also voiced about the apparent targeting of victims based on religious identity.

Calls for Bilateral Dialogue

According to sources, Pakistan's arguments failed to gain traction within the Council. Notably, no other member state, including its close ally China, joined Pakistan in issuing a press statement following the consultations. The meeting concluded without any formal resolution, statement, or press release being issued by the Council itself. Several members reportedly reiterated the long-standing position that bilateral issues between India and Pakistan should be resolved through direct dialogue, not international forums like the UNSC. This outcome effectively left Pakistan isolated during and after the session. The consultations took place shortly after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern, stating India-Pakistan tensions were at their "highest in years" and urging "maximum restraint."

Pakistan's attempt to leverage the UN Security Council platform following the Pahalgam terror attack appears to have backfired. Instead of garnering support for its position on Kashmir or deflecting scrutiny, Islamabad faced questions from member states regarding its own destabilizing actions, including nuclear rhetoric and missile tests, alongside concerns about links to the terror attack itself. The lack of support and the emphasis on bilateral dialogue underscore Pakistan's isolation on the issue within the Council, even as regional tensions remain critically high.