United Nations (Web Desk): Pakistan won a key election fourth time by securing a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday, when the General Assembly elected 15 countries to serve on the 47-member body.
The election in the 193-member Assembly was by a secret ballot, with a simple majority required.
Pakistan polled 151 votes, when 97 were needed. There were five candidates contesting for four Asia-Pacific seats on the Council.
Apart from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal and Qatar also won seats on the Council.
The contest was only in the Asian-Pacific group.
Council members serve for a three years period and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
In a post-election interview Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi said, "This victory is a ringing endorsement of Pakistan’s strong commitment to human rights."
Lodhi said, "Pakistan’s entire leadership, parliament and judiciary have all proactively pushed the human rights agenda."
Lodhi said, "Our victory is a manifestation of the international community’s trust in Pakistan."
"Pakistan is humbled by and grateful for the overwhelming support received from the world community", she said, adding, "Pakistan’s election gives the lie to those who claim that Pakistan is isolated.
“Asked what Pakistan’s objectives will be in the Council, the ambassador said, "We will use our membership to protect our core national interests, uphold universal values, be a bridge-builder between polarised positions and expose human rights abuses by India in occupied Kashmir".
It is pertinent to mention that this is the fourth time Pakistan has been elected to the 47-member Council, the first success came in 2006 when the Council was created by the UN General Assembly.