ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad addressed the Security Council on Saturday, strongly condemning recent military attacks in the Middle East and urging an immediate return to diplomacy to prevent further destabilization.
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his sobering presentation and assessment of the unfolding situation in the Middle East,” Ahmad said. “We concur with his view that there is no viable alternative to a peaceful settlement.”
Highlighting the timing of the attacks, Ahmad criticized strikes against Iran as “unwarranted” and noted they occurred while renewed diplomatic efforts were underway. “Such a course of action will undermine the peace and stability of the entire region with far-reaching consequences,” he said.
The ambassador also condemned retaliatory and concurrent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing Pakistan’s solidarity with these countries.
He called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, warning that “these unprovoked attacks…constitute blatant violations of the sovereignty of the brotherly Gulf states.”
Addressing civilian casualties, Ahmad expressed condolences, including for a Pakistani national killed in the UAE, and lamented the loss of schoolchildren in Iran and other civilians affected by the violence.
“We urge all sides to refrain from any further actions that may undermine the security and territorial integrity of other regional countries,” he said.
He praised Oman for its efforts in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, noting that the recent strikes “derailed diplomacy” and further eroded trust at a critical moment.
Citing the UN Charter, Ahmad stressed the inviolability of international law. “The Charter prohibits threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states. Pakistan reiterates the call for full respect for international law, including the UN Charter, as well as international humanitarian law,” he said.
Pakistan’s envoy concluded by expressing alarm over the risk of a broader regional conflict and emphasizing the protection of millions of civilians. “The safety and well-being of our compatriots in the region remains a top priority,” Ahmad said.
