Pakistan secures UN drug body seat again

Pakistan was re-elected by a United Nation’s body to its Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) on Friday for a four-year term starting in 2026.

Pakistan has been elected to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) during the resumed session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held in New York. This council serves as the UN’s economic arm and oversees various global issues, including drug control.

In the voting process, Pakistan secured the highest number of votes among member states contesting for seats in different regional groups. Out of the 54-member ECOSOC Council, the vote results were: Pakistan received 50 votes, followed by Kazakhstan with 46, the United Arab Emirates with 43, Kyrgyzstan with 41, and Iran with 25.

Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations issued a statement thanking member states for their support. The mission highlighted that Pakistan’s election to the CND reflects the international community’s trust in its commitment to global drug control and counter-narcotics efforts.

The statement further emphasized that Pakistan is ready to play an active role in advancing international efforts to combat drug trafficking, production, and use. It underlined Pakistan’s ongoing contributions to global policy dialogues on drug issues, maintaining a proactive and constructive approach at the UN level.

The mission also shared that Pakistan looks forward to working closely with ECOSOC members and the wider UN community to strengthen the CND’s position as the main global body for drug policy-making. The aim is to ensure that drug control strategies remain effective, balanced, and aligned with international obligations under the three UN drug control conventions. This achievement adds to Pakistan’s continued presence and leadership in global forums addressing critical challenges.