The United States has reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks following a United Nations vote on the Global Counterterrorism Strategy. The statement came as the UN General Assembly adopted the revised framework despite opposition from Washington. The developments highlight ongoing international debate over global counterterrorism priorities and regional security.
According to the US State Department, Pakistan has suffered heavily from terrorism and retains the right to protect itself against terrorist attacks. The remarks followed Pakistan’s recent operation against terrorist infrastructure along the Afghan border after an attack on a Pakistan Rangers Sindh headquarters in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area. Earlier this year, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker also expressed support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
Read more: US reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s right to counterterrorism efforts
Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly adopted the ninth review of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy by 140 votes after consensus could not be achieved. The United States, Israel, and Argentina voted against the resolution, while Japan later said its abstention resulted from a technical error. Washington argued the document was outdated, excessively lengthy, and failed to address key US policy concerns. Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, and Türkiye also voiced disappointment that several proposals from Islamic countries were not incorporated.
Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad,
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,
At the UN General Assembly’s 96th Plenary Meeting of the 80th Session Under Agenda Item 118 on the 9th Review of the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy (GCTS)*
*****Thank you Mr.… pic.twitter.com/Oynf3wm2KK
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) July 2, 2026
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said terrorism remained an evolving global threat requiring coordinated international action. He noted that Pakistan had played a leading role in counterterrorism operations while suffering significant human losses, with more than 1,200 people killed in terrorist attacks over the past year. He also called for reforms to the UN counterterrorism architecture, stronger action against online radicalisation, and impartial regulation of digital financial systems to prevent terrorist financing.
Read more: Police arrest suspected suicide bomber in counterterror operation
Ambassador Iftikhar said the failure to achieve consensus after three years of negotiations should serve as a wake-up call for the international community. He urged renewed multilateral cooperation to address emerging security threats while respecting human rights and international law. Pakistan maintained that a comprehensive and coordinated global approach remains essential to effectively combat terrorism.