Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed says democracy, dialogue need to be upheld for peaceful solutions
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad at UNSC session. PHOTO: RADIOPAK
Pakistan on Saturday condemned what it described as “unwarranted attacks” against 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 repercussions of US and Israeli air strikes 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 increasingly concerned as the situation in the Middle East grew more complex.
“Pakistan condemns the initiation of unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of international law,” Ahmad told the council.
Pakistan condemns the initiation of unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of international law. Yet again, these attacks come at a time when renewed diplomatic efforts were underway 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 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 will undermine the peace and stability of the entire region, with far reaching consequences,” he said.
Pakistan also condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and expressed solidarity with those countries.
Ahmad said several Arab states had been supporting 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 the brotherly Gulf states,” he said.
He also condemned the death of a Pakistani national in the United Arab Emirates during the attacks and urged all sides to refrain from actions that could undermine the security and territorial integrity of regional countries.
Read: Police, protesters clash in Karachi after Iran’s Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strike
Ahmad expressed regret that diplomacy had been “derailed” as the attacks took place in the middle of negotiations, saying military actions undermine dialogue and erode trust.
Pakistan offered condolences to civilians affected by the violence, including schoolchildren in Iran and the family of the Pakistani national killed in the UAE.
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 UN Charter and international humanitarian law, and warned of the risk of a wider regional conflict.
Ahmad said the safety and well-being of millions of Pakistanis living across the region remained a top priority, adding that Islamabad was maintaining close coordination with neighbouring countries at the leadership level and was ready to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
“Diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles,” he said, calling on all sides to halt escalation immediately and urgently resume negotiations to achieve a peaceful settlement.
