Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed says democracy, dialogue must be maintained for peaceful solutions
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad during the UN Security Council session. PHOTO: RADIOPAK
Pakistan on Saturday condemned what it called “unjustified attacks” on Iran and called for an immediate return to diplomacy at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
The council session examined the fallout from U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and exposed divisions within the 15-member body over rising regional tensions. Speaking at the meeting, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Islamabad was increasingly concerned about the growing complexity of the situation in the Middle East.
“Pakistan condemns the launching of unjustified attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of international law,” Ahmad told the Council.
Pakistan condemns the launching of unjustified attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of international law. Once again, these attacks come at a time when renewed diplomatic efforts were underway to achieve a peaceful, negotiated solution. Such a journey… pic.twitter.com/LtG70ffu76
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) February 28, 2026
In an official statement delivered under the agenda item “The Situation in the Middle East,” he said the attacks occurred at a time when renewed diplomatic efforts were underway to reach a negotiated solution.
“Such a course of action would undermine the peace and stability of the entire region, with far-reaching consequences,” he said.
Pakistan also condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and expressed solidarity with these countries.
Ahmad said several Arab states supported dialogue and efforts to avoid escalation, praising Oman for facilitating and mediating talks between Iran and the United States.
“These unprovoked attacks constitute blatant violations of the sovereignty of sister Gulf states,” he said.
He also condemned the death of a Pakistani national in the UAE during the attacks and urged all parties to refrain from any action that could undermine the security and territorial integrity of countries in the region.
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Ahmad regretted that diplomacy had been “derailed” as the attacks took place in the middle of negotiations, saying the military actions were undermining dialogue and eroding trust.
Pakistan offered its condolences to civilians affected by the violence, including Iranian schoolchildren and the family of the Pakistani national killed in the United Arab Emirates.
Referring to the principles of the United Nations Charter, Ahmad said the document prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states.
He reiterated Pakistan’s call for full respect for international law, including the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law, and warned of the risk of a wider regional conflict.
Ahmad said the security and well-being of millions of Pakistanis living in the region remained a top priority, adding that Islamabad maintained close coordination with neighboring countries at the leadership level and was ready to support efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution.
“Diplomacy and dialogue must be the guiding principles,” he said, calling on all parties to immediately stop the escalation and urgently resume negotiations to reach a peaceful settlement.
