UNITED NATIONS, Nov 12: Pakistan won on Monday a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council, by securing 171 votes. Pakistan has been elected to this important UN body for the third time, says a press release issued by the Pakistan mission here.

Pakistan secured its first victory in 2006 when the council was created by the United Nations General Assembly. In the new term, Pakistan will serve from 2013 to 2015.

After the elections, Masood Khan, the Permanent Representative of Pakistan, in reply to a reporter’s question, said: “Human rights are essential part of our genesis. Human rights are enshrined in our constitution and part of our national ethos.” The success in the election, the press release said, demonstrated Pakistan’s strong commitment to human rights and the international community’s confidence in the country’s substantial contributions at the Human Rights Council and its affiliated bodies.