Pakistan Elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2026–28 Term

ISLAMABAD, Oct 15, 2025 — Pakistan has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–2028 term, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Tuesday.

The election took place at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Pakistan secured a seat among 14 newly elected countries set to begin their term on January 1, 2026. Other countries elected to the 47-member Council include Angola, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, India, Iraq, Italy, Mauritius, Slovenia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Viet Nam.

“My profound gratitude to all UN Member States for their support!” FM Dar said on X (formerly Twitter). “Pakistan’s election is a recognition of its strong credentials and contributions in strengthening the global human rights framework.”

He further emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to human rights through the guiding principles of TRUCE — tolerance, respect, universality, consensus-building, and engagement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also welcomed the development, calling it a reflection of Pakistan’s active and constructive engagement at the international level. “We reaffirm Pakistan’s strong commitment to play an active role in the Council for the promotion and protection of human rights across the globe,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.

Pakistan has served multiple terms on the UNHRC in the past, where it has advocated for issues including Islamophobia, the rights of the Palestinian people, and the plight of Kashmiris under foreign occupation.

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The election further strengthens Pakistan’s diplomatic standing as it seeks to balance its human rights responsibilities with national and regional priorities.