Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed says it is necessary to maintain democracy and dialogue to achieve peaceful solutions
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, at the UN Security Council session. PHOTO: RADIOPAK
Pakistan on Saturday condemned what it described as “unjustified attacks” on Iran and called for an immediate return to diplomacy during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
The council session examined the fallout from US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and exposed divisions among 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 becoming increasingly concerned as the situation in the Middle East became more complex.
“Pakistan condemns the initiation of unjustified attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of international law,” Ahmad told the council.
Pakistan condemns the initiation 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 being made to reach a peaceful and negotiated solution. Such a course of… pic.twitter.com/LtG70ffu76
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) February 28, 2026
In a formal statement delivered under the theme “The situation in the Middle East,” he said the attacks occurred at a time when renewed diplomatic efforts were being made to reach a negotiated solution.
“Such a course of action will undermine peace and stability in 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 had been supporting dialogue and efforts to avoid escalation, and praised Oman for facilitating and mediating talks between Iran and the United States.
“These unprovoked attacks constitute flagrant violations of the sovereignty of the brotherly Gulf states,” he said.
He also condemned the death of a Pakistani citizen in the United Arab Emirates during the attacks and urged all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the security and territorial integrity of countries in the region.
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Ahmad lamented that diplomacy had been “derailed” when the attacks occurred in the middle of negotiations, saying military actions undermine dialogue and erode trust.
Pakistan offered its condolences to civilians affected by the violence, including schoolchildren in Iran and the family of the Pakistani national killed in the United Arab Emirates.
Referring to the principles of the UN 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 broader regional conflict.
Ahmad said the safety 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 towards 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 achieve a peaceful solution.
