Pakistan hails seat on UN Security Council

Pakistan, Morocco, Guatemala and Togo secured non-permanent seats in the Security Council in elections held on Saturday for the term 2012-2013. The outcome of the polls "demonstrated acknowledgement of Pakistan`s importance in the comity of nations", Gilani said in a statement.

"It is a proof of Pakistan`s support in the comity of the nations, and effectively rebuts allegation of Pakistan`s isolation as claimed by some circles," he said. Pakistan bagged the Asia-Pacific seat, getting the minimum required 129 votes.

President Asif Ali Zardari too hailed Pakistan`s victory, saying it was a triumph of the country`s foreign policy. In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said the outcome "reflects the importance and respect that Pakistan enjoys in the international community".

"Pakistan will take its seat on the UN Security Council at a time when the world in general and our extended region in particular is witnessing developments of far-reaching implications," Khar said."As in the past, Pakistan will play its constructive role in the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security," she said.