NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, strongly condemned Israel’s strikes on Qatar during a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Thursday, 11 September. The meeting, convened at the request of Algeria, Pakistan, and Somalia, addressed the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
Ambassador Iftikhar welcomed the presence of Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, along with senior representatives from Jordan, the UAE, Türkiye, Iraq, Kuwait, and Egypt.
“Flagrant Violation of International Law”
The envoy described Israel’s actions as “illegal, unprovoked, and reckless,” stressing they violated Qatar’s sovereignty and the UN Charter’s prohibition on the use of force. He warned the strikes endangered civilians by targeting a residential neighborhood, constituting a grave breach of international humanitarian law.
“This is not an isolated act but part of a broader pattern of Israeli aggression undermining regional stability,” Iftikhar said.
Pakistan Stands in Solidarity with Qatar
Pakistan expressed full solidarity with Qatar, affirming Doha’s right to defend its sovereignty and people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Qatar on the same day, accompanied by senior ministers, in a show of unity and support.
“This visit underscores Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Qatar’s security and to peace in the Middle East,” the envoy emphasized.
Calls for Accountability at the UN
Ambassador Iftikhar warned that Israel’s actions reflected a systematic disregard for international law and a destabilizing regional policy. He cited previous Israeli military operations in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen, all in violation of the UN Charter.
He urged the Security Council to go beyond condemnation and hold Israel accountable for its aggression. “The Council must protect mediators engaged in peace efforts and recommit to the primacy of international law,” he stated.
Diplomatic Efforts at Risk
The ambassador stressed that the strikes came at a critical moment, as delicate Gaza ceasefire talks were nearing progress. Targeting Qatar, he said, was a deliberate attempt to derail diplomacy and prolong civilian suffering.
“Israel’s destructive policies are incompatible with the international community’s quest for peace,” he warned. “Striking a principal mediator raises questions about Israel’s true intentions.”
Recognizing Qatar’s Mediation Role
Pakistan praised Qatar for its tireless mediation efforts, including ceasefire talks and hostage negotiations, often carried out under immense pressure. “Undermining Qatar is not only an attack on a sovereign state but also on diplomacy itself,” Iftikhar noted.
He urged the Security Council to safeguard mediators and protect diplomacy as a pathway to peace.
Root Cause: Occupation of Arab Lands
Addressing the broader conflict, Ambassador Iftikhar identified Israel’s prolonged occupation of Arab territories as the root cause of instability in the region.
He reiterated Pakistan’s call for:
- An immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and other occupied territories.
- Full humanitarian access to Palestinians.
- A genuine political process leading to a sovereign Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Pakistan’s Final Message
“Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Qatar in defense of its sovereignty and dignity,” the envoy declared. “We remain committed to international law, the UN Charter, and a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”