WASHINGTON: Pakistan has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–2028 term with a resounding majority of 178 votes, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Tuesday, reaffirming its position as an active voice for human rights on the global stage.

The election took place at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, where thirteen other nations also secured seats on the 47-member body.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development, calling it “a testament to Pakistan’s effective and vibrant role at the United Nations.”

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif reaffirmed the government’s “unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting human rights across all dimensions, civil, political, economic, social, and cultural.”

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, expressing gratitude to UN member states for their “overwhelming trust and support,” said on X, formerly Twitter, “This election reflects global recognition of Pakistan’s strong credentials and active contributions toward strengthening the international human rights framework.”

He added that Pakistan would continue to “work constructively with all partners in the spirit of tolerance, respect, and consensus-building.”

This marks the sixth time Pakistan has been elected to the Human Rights Council since its establishment in 2006. A recognition that underscores the international community’s confidence in Islamabad’s consistent advocacy for universal human rights and multilateral engagement.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan will use its upcoming term to “advance dialogue and cooperation” on key issues such as the right to development and the protection of people living under foreign occupation.

The ministry also reiterated that Pakistan will continue to raise concerns about “grave human rights violations” in the Indian occupied Kashmir and Palestinian Territory, in line with the Council’s mandate.

Based in Geneva, the UN Human Rights Council is the UN’s principal intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. With its renewed mandate, Pakistan aims to strengthen its role as a consensus-builder and advocate for fairness, transparency, and universality in global human rights discourse.

“Pakistan’s election is not just a diplomatic achievement,” said a senior diplomat at the UN, “it’s a reaffirmation of the country’s enduring belief in dialogue, inclusivity, and the universality of human dignity.”

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Pakistan secures UN Rights Council seat, reaffirms commitment to global justice