An Anti-Terror Role that Defies Logic

Core Argument

The article critiques the UN’s decision to give Pakistan leadership roles in counter-terrorism bodies, despite its well-documented history of harbouring, financing, and sponsoring terrorism. This undermines the UN’s credibility and poses risks for India’s security and diplomatic positioning.


Key Points

Pakistan’s Terror Links

  • Hosted Osama bin Laden near its military academy.

  • Supports LeT, JeM and other groups behind 26/11 (2008), Pulwama (2019), and Pahalgam attack (April 2025).

  • Operation Sindoor: India’s counter-strike exposing terror launchpads across the LoC.

  • Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar’s family, and other designated terrorists openly protected/celebrated in Pakistan.

  • Compensation of ₹14 crore given to families of slain terrorists in 2025.

UN’s Controversial Decision

  • June 2025: Pakistan made Chair of Taliban Sanctions Committee and Vice-chair of UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee.

  • July 2025: Pakistan assumed UNSC Presidency for a month.

  • Similar past controversies: Libya chairing UN Human Rights Commission; Saudi Arabia chairing UN Women’s Rights Commission.

  • IMF loan of $1B to Pakistan (despite misuse risks) shows institutional blind spots.

Why This Undermines UN Credibility

  1. Contradiction – Pakistan’s state-sponsored terror vs. counter-terror leadership.

  2. Weak Vetting – FATF’s removal of Pakistan from grey list despite ongoing concerns.

  3. Geopolitics over Principles – big powers back Pakistan for strategic/economic reasons.

  4. Dangerous Signal – rewarding duplicity emboldens state sponsors of terror.


Implications for India

  • Pakistan may use UN platforms to deflect blame, undermine India’s case against terror, and reshape narratives.

  • Could block India’s efforts to sanction terrorists globally.

  • Might interfere with India’s growing ties with the Taliban.

  • Enhances risk of cross-border terrorism, infiltration, and cyberwarfare.


India’s Strategic Options

  1. Alliances in UNSC – leverage ties with U.S., France, Russia, others to counter Pakistan’s influence.

  2. Proactive Diplomacy – actively raise Pakistan’s terror record in UN discussions.

  3. Engage Taliban directly – humanitarian/diplomatic outreach to reduce Pakistan’s leverage.

  4. Global Media & Diaspora Campaign – expose Pakistan’s duplicity internationally.

  5. Strengthen National Security & Intelligence – prepare for intensified asymmetric warfare.

  6. Push for Accountability – demand performance reviews of countries chairing UN committees.


Big Picture

  • The UN risks becoming a stage for geopolitical compromises rather than a platform for justice and security.

  • Allowing Pakistan to shape global counter-terror policies is not just illogical—it is dangerous.

  • For India, silence or caution is not enough: sustained, proactive diplomacy is essential.

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