Pakistan has been elected to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) for a four-year term beginning in 2026 and ending in 2029. The election was held during a voting session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York.
This marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Pakistan, which received a resounding mandate during the vote. Pakistan secured 50 votes, the highest among contesting member states in its regional group, outpacing Kazakhstan (46), the United Arab Emirates (43), Kyrgyzstan (41), and Iran (25).
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A statement issued by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN expressed gratitude for the strong support from ECOSOC member states. “Pakistan is gratified by the resounding support received,” the mission said, adding that the vote reflects international confidence in the country’s consistent efforts and proactive stance on global drug issues.
Global Recognition of Pakistan’s Role in Drug Control
Pakistan’s election to the CND is widely seen as a recognition of its long-standing commitment to combating the global drug menace. The statement from its mission noted that the country has been actively engaged in efforts against drug trafficking, production, and use — both within the region and on international platforms.
The mission emphasized that Pakistan has consistently remained at the forefront of multilateral policy discussions on narcotics at the United Nations. Through participation in UN-led dialogues and forums, Pakistan has advocated for constructive, collaborative, and effective strategies to tackle drug-related challenges. The country’s re-election also reaffirms its role in helping shape the international drug control agenda, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the global counter-narcotics community.
Strengthening Global Drug Policy
Looking ahead to its upcoming term, Pakistan has expressed a strong commitment to strengthening the role of the CND as the primary global policymaking body on drugs. “Pakistan looks forward to working closely with the other members of ECOSOC and the broader UN Membership,” the statement read, “to ensure that international drug control efforts remain comprehensive, effective, and in line with the obligations of the three UN drug control conventions.”
These three core conventions — the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances — form the foundation of international narcotics control.
Pakistan pledged to help ensure these frameworks are implemented fairly and thoroughly, reflecting the evolving challenges posed by drug trafficking networks, illicit production, and the abuse of narcotic substances worldwide.
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Pakistan has a long history of engagement with the UN’s narcotics control initiatives. Established in 1946, the CND is a functional commission of ECOSOC and serves as the leading international forum for drug policy coordination and treaty oversight. Pakistan has previously served on the commission and has regularly contributed to discussions on reforming and enhancing global drug strategies.