ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday condemned Israel’s “continued” military aggression in southern Lebanon, which has claimed more than 400 civilian lives, including at least 83 children and 42 women, and displaced over 600,000 people.
Speaking at the United Nations, Pakistan’s Deputy Representative Usman Jadoon highlighted the scale of destruction caused by Israeli strikes and criticized the blatant disregard for international humanitarian law.
“Lebanon is a country of remarkable diversity, shaped by layers of civilization and rich cultural legacy,” Jadoon said. “Its people have long shown resilience in the face of adversity, preserving a vibrant social fabric rooted in coexistence among communities and traditions.”
He urged the international community to allow Lebanon a period of calm to pursue peace and stability, warning that continued escalation threatens far more than infrastructure.
“Sweeping illegal evacuation orders across large parts of southern Lebanon have deepened civilian suffering,” he added.
Jadoon emphasized that the use of force must remain the “exclusive prerogative” of the Lebanese state, with the Lebanese Armed Forces playing a central role.
“Pakistan supports efforts to strengthen their capacity and operational effectiveness,” he said.
The Pakistani diplomat welcomed recent initiatives by the Lebanese government, including the March 2 Cabinet decision to reinforce national security structures and the four-point plan aimed at restoring calm and stability.
He also strongly condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL who were injured in Israeli strikes. “Their safety and security must be guaranteed at all times,” he said.
Jadoon denounced the continued Israeli military presence and construction of positions inside Lebanese territory as “illegal and unacceptable.”
“These actions contravene international law and undermine Lebanon’s efforts to ensure peace and stability,” he added.
He called for Israel’s “immediate, full, and unconditional withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territories.”
Highlighting the broader regional context, Jadoon said the situation in Lebanon cannot be viewed in isolation.
“Heightened confrontation and unjustified attacks on several brotherly countries, which Pakistan has condemned, have gravely aggravated regional security and stability,” he said.
He urged that “dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over confrontation” and called for de-escalation, restraint, and renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further deterioration of regional security.
“Only sustained political dialogue and respect for international law can lead the region toward stability and peace,” he concluded.
