WASHINGTON: Pakistan abstained on Thursday when the UN Security Council voted on a US-sponsored resolution to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Council’s Iran sanctions committee.
The negotiations on the draft resolution reflected the deep divisions within the Council over the Iran nuclear issue, particularly the dispute over the triggering of the “snapback” mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran that had been suspended under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and Security Council Resolution 2231 of 2015.
China and Russia reiterated their longstanding opposition to the legal and procedural validity of the snapback mechanism. Both permanent members were expected to vote against the draft, which would block its adoption even if it secured nine or more votes in favour.
Pakistan’s abstention was explained by its permanent representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who said Islamabad remained concerned that the Iran nuclear issue had become increasingly complicated and that the council had moved away from the spirit of cooperation and peaceful settlement that had accompanied the adoption of Resolution 2231 in 2015.
“Diplomacy and dialogue remain the guiding principle” for resolving outstanding issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme, Ambassador Ahmad told the council.
The US draft extends the experts’ mandate until Sept 2027 and asks the panel to provide recommendations on updating sanctions-related measures, quarterly reports on its work and an annual report to the Security Council.
The panel, established under UNSC Resolution 1929 of 2010, monitors implementation of measures imposed on Iran and provides the Council with recommendations. Its mandate was due to expire on Sept 26.
Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2026
