UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan’s permanent envoy to the United Nations on Tuesday called for restraint, diplomacy, and strict adherence to international law amid escalating tensions across the Middle East, warning that the situation remains volatile and deeply interconnected.
Addressing a UN Security Council debate, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stressed that multiple crises unfolding across the region require urgent de-escalation efforts.
“The serious situation in the Middle East remains extremely volatile with multiple and interconnected crises. In this environment, strict adherence to international law, the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions, the principles of restraint, responsible conduct and diplomacy are indispensable to prevent further escalation,” the ambassador said.
He emphasised that the focus must remain on Palestine, describing it as central to regional stability.
“It is right that we retain the focus on Palestine. The significance of this discussion is evident from the high-level participation that we see in the Chamber,” he noted.
On the Gaza conflict, the envoy warned that despite a ceasefire, conditions remain fragile and violations continue.
“In Gaza, the ceasefire provided relief, but remains fragile with violations ongoing. More than 800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes since the announcement of the ceasefire,” he said.
He added that humanitarian assistance, although resumed, is still insufficient to meet the needs on the ground.
“It is essential to fully respect and consolidate the ceasefire, and ensure sustained, unhindered and scaled up humanitarian assistance,” he stressed.
The ambassador also expressed concern over developments in the occupied West Bank, citing rising violence and settlement expansion.
“The rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank is also alarming. Escalating settler violence, continued expansion of illegal settlements and illegal legislative measures… are grave violations of international law,” he said.
Turning to broader regional tensions, he warned of growing risks to global stability, including disruptions in key maritime routes.
“Broader regional tension continues to pose serious risks to international peace and security, as well as to global economic stability. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is adversely impacting countries around the world, including Pakistan,” the ambassador noted.
He reiterated Pakistan’s support for diplomatic engagement, highlighting ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue.
“At this critical juncture, restraint, dialogue and diplomacy must prevail. Pakistan remains actively engaged in advancing such diplomatic pathways,” he said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding position, he asserted that resolving the Palestinian issue remains key to achieving lasting peace in the region.
“The root cause of instability in the Middle East remains the unresolved question of Palestine… the realisation of a Palestinian state… is the only pathway to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace,” he concluded.