Mumtaz Hussain
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan strongly condemned what it described as “unwarranted attacks” against Iran and several Gulf countries during a briefing at the UN Security Council on “The Situation in the Middle East.”
Delivering a statement at the Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar Ahmad denounced the initiation of attacks against Iran, calling them a violation of international law and warning that such actions could severely destabilize the region.
He said the strikes had occurred at a sensitive moment when renewed diplomatic efforts were underway to reach a peaceful and negotiated settlement.
“There is no viable alternative to a peaceful settlement,” he noted, echoing concerns raised by the UN Secretary-General during the briefing.
Pakistan also condemned attacks targeting several Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. He expressed solidarity with these countries and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation.
In particular, Pakistan praised Oman for its role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States, describing Muscat’s mediation efforts as constructive and essential to regional stability.
The ambassador termed the attacks on Gulf states as “blatant violations” of sovereignty and confirmed the death of a Pakistani national during an attack in the United Arab Emirates. He extended condolences to the victims, including civilians and schoolchildren affected by the violence in Iran and elsewhere in the region.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, Ahmad stressed that the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states is prohibited under international law. He called for full respect for international law and international humanitarian law.
Expressing alarm over the risk of a broader regional conflagration, the envoy said Pakistan remains in close contact with neighboring countries at the leadership level and is prepared to support efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution.
Pakistan urged all sides to immediately halt escalation and resume diplomacy to achieve a negotiated settlement of the crisis, emphasizing dialogue as the only viable path forward.
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