ISLAMABAD, May 1: In all probability Pakistan will win in October this year one of the 10 non-permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council for the 2003-2004 term.

Pakistan won membership to the security council for the fifth time 10 years ago when it was elected for the 1993-94 term.

The election will be held on Oct 8, and Pakistan is the only country contesting for the council’s Asia region seat so far, say foreign office sources.

Sources told Dawn on Tuesday that Pakistan’s election to the non-permanent seat was virtually assured as its candidature stands endorsed by the Asia group.

Pakistan’s optimism also stems from the fact that so far it is the only candidate from Asia and, it is unlikely that any other would be put up at this stage. “It is now more a matter of formality,” notes a senior official at the ministry of foreign affairs.

Pakistan has won the membership to the security council in the non-permanent category five times in 50 years to this day. India won the seat six times.

Pakistan’s inclusion in the security council at this juncture is viewed by experts as a significant development on the diplomatic plain for Pakistan.

In the aftermath of the Sept 11 events the council has been heavily engaged on the question of terrorism and Afghanistan - both vital issues for Pakistan.

As a security council member Pakistan can become a representative of the Islamic community. Also, it would give Pakistan a greater opportunity to highlight the Kashmir issue.

“Being inside the security council means you can attend all the closed-door meetings and become the main corridor for many countries by active, constructive participation,” observed a former diplomat.

However, critics of Pakistan’s existing foreign policy say that the country’s current passive posture on Palestine and US policy premised on controversial notions like ‘axis of evil’ will have to change for Pakistan to fully utilize its potential as a member of the security council.

The security council has 15 members, out of which five are categorized as permanent and 10 non-permanent. The non-permanent members are elected by the general assembly and serve on rotation basis for two-year terms. The five permanent members are China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Under the UN Charter the security council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. All members of the United Nations are bound to accept and carry out the decisions of the security council.