NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has warned that rising tensions between the United States and Iran carry far-reaching consequences for global peace, economic stability, and international trade.
Speaking during an interaction with a delegation from the United States Army War College at Pakistan’s Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim said Pakistan had played a constructive role in supporting dialogue and diplomacy amid regional instability in the Middle East and Gulf region.
Referring to recent tensions involving the US and Iran, the Pakistani envoy said the crisis carried major global implications extending beyond the region, including impacts on energy markets, maritime trade, food security, inflation, and global economic growth.
He warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz posed serious risks to international trade and energy supplies.
Ambassador Asim said Pakistan remained actively engaged with the United States, Iran, Gulf countries, Egypt, China, and Türkiye to support de-escalation efforts and encourage peaceful dialogue.
Principled foreign policy
He added that Pakistan’s balanced and principled foreign policy approach had enabled it to maintain trust with multiple regional and international stakeholders.
The envoy also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations, describing the UN as the central platform for addressing global challenges, including peace and security, climate change, artificial intelligence, and development.
He reiterated Pakistan’s support for reform of the UN Security Council based on democratic, transparent, and accountable principles while opposing the creation of new permanent seats.
During the interactive session, Ambassador Asim also discussed issues including artificial intelligence, demographic change, Islamophobia, and regional security arrangements in the Gulf.
The delegation included participants from the United States as well as Pakistan, Türkiye, Sri Lanka, Moldova, Guatemala, and Ecuador.
