Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar, voiced deep concern over rising tensions in the Middle East during a Security Council session, condemning recent attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.
Addressing resolutions on the regional crisis presented by Bahrain and Russia, Asim Iftikhar emphasized that attacks on Iran threaten not only regional stability but also global peace.
He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and security, warning that unnecessary strikes could escalate the conflict across the region.
Highlighting the human cost of the tensions, the Pakistani envoy noted that two Pakistani nationals were killed in recent attacks on the United Arab Emirates, while hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries are being affected by the instability.
He further cautioned that the crisis has driven up global oil prices and disrupted the aviation sector due to ongoing air operations. Asim Iftikhar stressed that missile and drone attacks on civilians and property violate international law.
The envoy underlined that any use of force outside the framework of the United Nations Charter is illegal, and all parties must adhere to international humanitarian law. He urged that the resolution of conflicts must come through negotiations and diplomacy, not military action, and that all sides should act in good faith to restore trust.
He added that no single nation has the right to impose its conditions on other countries in the region. The escalating tensions in Palestinian territories and the wider Arab world, he said, risk destabilizing the entire region.
Asim Iftikhar acknowledged the efforts of countries mediating to resolve the conflict and noted that Pakistan’s leadership is in constant contact with neighbouring, friendly and partner states to help reduce tensions.
He concluded by calling on the international community to urge all parties to de-escalate, refrain from further attacks, and give diplomacy a chance to restore peace in the region.