Web desk: Pakistan has been elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the period 2026 to 2028.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar shared on X that Pakistan secured its membership by an overwhelming majority.
He said the election recognises Pakistan’s strong credentials and active contribution to strengthening the global human rights framework.
Ishaq Dar thanked all UN member states for their support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work with the international community based on TRUCE.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Pakistan’s election, describing it as a reflection of the country’s effective role in the United Nations.
He expressed his determination that Pakistan will continue to play an active role in the Council to promote and protect human rights worldwide.
The statement by Pakistan Foreign Office stated, “During its term as a member of the HRC, Pakistan will actively engage with the broader UN membership and civil society to advance all facets of human rights. This includes civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, alongside the right to development. Pakistan will also lend its full support to the HRC’s mandate, ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights grounded in the principles of universality, objectivity, transparency, and non-selectivity.”
Observers say Pakistan has been elected as a permanent member of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, despite PTI propaganda.
What is the United Nations Human Rights Council?
The UNHRC is an intergovernmental body of the United Nations dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights globally.
Established in 2006, the Council has 47 member states elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms. Its headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Council monitors human rights violations, prepares recommendations for affected countries, and ensures respect for human rights worldwide.
The FO statement said, “The Human Rights Council, an intergovernmental body based in Geneva within the United Nations system, is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. Comprising 47 Member States, the HRC addresses thematic human rights issues and specific situations requiring urgent attention.”
It also conducts the “Universal Periodic Review,” a regular assessment of the human rights situation in member countries.
