Pakistan assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday.

Pakistan began its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the 15-member body in January this year. The council's presidency rotates on a monthly basis.

This is Pakistan's first presidency since 2013, and the eighth time the country has served on the Security Council. 

What are the implications of Pakistan's Security Council presidency?

Although the rotating presidency is largely a symbolic role with no executive authority, it comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

Pakistan’s Permanent Rep­resentative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, emphasized Islamabad's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.

"We will closely work with other Cou­ncil members in a spirit of cooperation for collective and timely action… in line with the UN Charter and corresponding to the exp­ectations of the international community," he said in comments to Pakistan's Dawn daily.

He stressed that Pakistan's presidency came at a time of increasing threats to international peace and security.

"Pakistan is going to assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council at a time of global tumult marked by growing instability, escalating conflicts, complex geopolitical and geostrategic landscape, and serious threats to international peace and security," the ambassador said.

What are Pakistan's tensions with India?

Pakistan is expected to raise the issue of its recent conflict with India over the disputed territory of Kashmir sparked by a deadly attack on tourists near the town of Pahalgam. 

Indian business daily The Economic Times reported that India was preparing a strategy to counter Islamabad's presidency.

New Delhi's focus will be on its economic strength and dedication to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. India will also draw attention to cross-border terrorism.

India's government has accused Pakistan of supporting militants behind the Pahalgam attack, a charge Islamabad denies. India also suspended its participation in a crucial water sharing treaty and downgraded its ties with Islamabad over the attack.

Some 26 people, mostly Hindu men, were killed in the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The attack was followed by four days of intense hostilities between the two South Asian nations which ended in a ceasefire on May 10.

Edited by: Saim Dušan Inayatullah