Mumtaz Hussain
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to international law, sovereignty, and peaceful conflict resolution during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council convened at Romania’s request over an alleged Russian drone incursion.
Speaking at the session, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, expressed support for the core principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all states, emphasizing that these must remain the foundation of international relations.
Ambassador Ahmad welcomed the participation of Romania’s foreign minister and endorsed the UN Secretary-General’s call for restraint, an early end to the ongoing conflict, and a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
Addressing the reported violation of Romanian airspace, Pakistan noted the seriousness of such incidents and underscored the importance of respecting international boundaries. The ambassador warned that prolonged conflicts increase the risk of escalation, miscalculation, and spillover effects, describing the current situation as a troubling example of these dangers.
Highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare, he pointed to the increasing use of armed drones in the Ukraine conflict, noting their impact on battlefield dynamics and the growing humanitarian concerns associated with their use. He stressed that such developments must be addressed within the framework of international humanitarian law.
Pakistan also expressed concern over reports of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure resulting from drone incursions into neighboring countries, calling such incidents alarming and deeply regrettable.
Reiterating its consistent stance, Pakistan emphasized that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military means but requires sustained and meaningful dialogue. The ambassador called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to recommit to peaceful engagement.
He further warned that continued escalation could transform the crisis into a broader confrontation with serious implications for regional and global peace and security.
Ambassador Ahmad concluded by advocating for a renewed diplomatic process, particularly the early resumption of US-facilitated dialogue, describing it as a credible path toward resolving the conflict. He affirmed that Pakistan will continue to support all efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive, durable, and peaceful resolution.