- Highlights Pakistani nationals among victims of UAE attacks.
- Said fuel, energy and aviation links disrupted due to regional conflict.
- Supports resolutions by Bahrain and Russia calling for a cessation of hostilities and talks.
Pakistan on Wednesday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, warning that only a peaceful, negotiated settlement could avoid further civilian casualties, regional instability and disruption of critical infrastructure and energy supplies.
“The consequences of the conflict we are currently witnessing are clear: everyone is affected. This is a conflict that should never have happened,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council.
He warned that violations of international law put peace at risk. “When international law is violated, peace is at risk and does not progress. We call for an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities and a return to the table of dialogue.”
Describing the failure of the Security Council to unite behind a comprehensive response to end the conflict as a sad reality, the ambassador announced that Pakistan supported the two draft resolutions under discussion, presented by Bahrain and the Russian Federation.
“I thank the representatives of Bahrain and the Russian Federation for presenting their respective draft resolutions,” he said.
Pakistan’s vote in favor of Bahrain’s resolution reflects its solidarity with Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
“Our positive vote signifies Pakistan’s strong support for the brotherly countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan,” he said. “It also serves to underscore our condemnation of all unjustified attacks they face, particularly those targeting civilians and critical civilian infrastructure. »
He noted that these countries have faced attacks despite advocating dialogue and diplomatic engagement. “It is very regrettable that brotherly states… were attacked when they have always supported dialogue, facilitated diplomatic engagement and advocated avoiding escalation,” he said.
At the same time, Pakistan welcomed the Russian Federation’s resolution, which calls for restraint, cessation of military activities and resumption of negotiations.
“The draft resolution tabled by the Russian Federation… urges the parties to cease military activities, refrain from further escalation and resume negotiations – which is consistent with Pakistan’s overall position,” he said.
Ambassador Ahmad highlighted the humanitarian and socio-economic impacts, noting that at least two Pakistani nationals have been killed in attacks on the UAE and millions of Pakistanis in the Gulf remain at risk.
“Our fuel supplies have been seriously hampered, forcing the government to take extraordinary measures to conserve the use of oil, gas and electricity,” he said. “Several essential air routes have been disrupted, while others are facing disruption. »
He condemned any illegal use of force and called for respect for international humanitarian law. “Any use of force outside the limits of the United Nations Charter is illegal and condemnable,” he said.
The ambassador stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy. “We call for a rapid return to dialogue and diplomacy to seek a peaceful resolution of all contentious issues… Sincere commitment and genuine political will are needed to restore trust and lay the foundations for peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Pakistan also acknowledged ongoing mediation efforts in the region. “We salute and deeply appreciate the sincere efforts made by various countries to mediate between the warring parties,” he said, noting that Pakistan has remained in close contact with its regional and international partners.
He concluded by reiterating Pakistan’s call for restraint. “All parties must immediately de-escalate the situation, stop launching further attacks and urgently resume diplomacy for a negotiated and lasting resolution to the crisis,” he said.
