UNITED NATIONS: In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan has been appointed to several key bodies of the United Nations Security Council, including as chair of the committee established under Resolution 1988 (2011), which oversees the implementation of sanctions against the Taliban.

Pakistan has also been namedVice Chair of the Security Council`s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), which monitors implementation of Resolution 1373 (2001), a core component of the UN`s global counterterrorism architecture.

Additionally, Pakistan will serve as co-chair of two important subsidiary bodies: the Informal Working Group on Documentation and the newly formed Working Group on Sanctions.

The documentation group works to enhance the Council`s transparency, efficiency and inclusiveness, while the sanctions group is tasked with evaluating and improving the structure and effectiveness of UN sanctions regimes.

These appointments reflectPakistan`s active engagement with the UN system and its constructive contributions as a nonpermanent member of the Security Council. They are also viewed as recognition of Pakistan`s counterterrorism efforts at the international level.

The announcement comes days after a high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation concluded a visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York. The delegation, led by Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, wrapped up its engagements on Tuesday after a series of meetings with senior UN officials and diplomats from various member states.

During the visit, the delegation briefed UN officials on what they described as India`s escalat-ing rhetoric and actions aimed at pushing the region towards conflict. Pakistani representatives urged the international community to take note of New Delhi`s alleged attempts to provoke a confrontation and stressed Islamabad`s commitment to regional peace and stability.

The delegation also reiterated Pakistan`s willingness to engage in comprehensive dialogue with India, including cooperation on counterterrorism, to defuse tensions and foster long-term peace in South Asia.

In a statement, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and pledged continued cooperation with the world body and fellow member states to advance global peace andsecurity.