UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called on all sides to immediately halt escalation and urgently resume diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and negotiated resolution to the crisis in the Middle East.
Addressing the UN Security Council briefing under the agenda item “The Situation in the Middle East (Iran)” on February 28, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, stressed that diplomacy and dialogue should guide efforts to resolve all contentious issues in accordance with the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the parties concerned.
He reiterated that Pakistan has consistently advocated the primacy of peaceful resolution of disputes and the imperative of avoiding confrontation and conflict in a region already beset by tensions and volatility, echoing the concerns raised by the UN Secretary-General.
Ambassador Asim thanked the Secretary-General for his “sobering presentation” and concurred with his assessment that there is no viable alternative to a peaceful settlement. He regretted that diplomacy had once again been derailed, noting that the recent attacks occurred in the midst of negotiations, undermining dialogue and eroding already fragile trust.
Unwarranted attacks
Pakistan condemned the initiation of unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, calling them violations of international law. It also condemned attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, expressing solidarity with these countries and urging maximum restraint.
He noted that several Arab states had been supporting dialogue and efforts to avoid escalation, particularly lauding Oman’s role in facilitating mediation between Iran and the United States. The attacks were described as violations of the sovereignty of Gulf states.
Pakistan also condemned the death of a Pakistani national in the UAE during the attacks and offered condolences to civilians affected, including schoolchildren in Iran and others caught in the violence.
Reaffirming the inviolability of the UN Charter, Ambassador Asim stressed that it prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states. He reiterated Pakistan’s call for full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law.
He expressed alarm at the risk of wider regional conflagration and said the safety and well-being of millions of Pakistanis in the region remain a top priority, adding that Pakistan is in close coordination with neighboring countries and stands ready to support a peaceful resolution.
