NEW YORK: Pakistan has been elected a member of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the fifth time, with a big vote of 169 in the Asia-Pacific group.

The election are held every three years.

The 193-member UN General Assembly held elections for 15 new members to the 47-member Human Rights Council, which is based in Geneva.

“Pakistan’s success in this important election is a reflection of the country’s high standing in the international community,” an elated Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram said.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has termed Pakistan’s re-election to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as an important diplomatic achievement.

In a statement on Wednesday, he said Pakistan was supported by every region in its election to the human rights council. He said influential and important countries also backed Pakistan.

The Foreign Minister said this vote also shows Pakistan’s performance in the human rights council over the last three years. He said the world today was recognizing Pakistan’s role.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said human rights violations has increased in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and becoming part of the human rights council at this critical time is a big achievement.