Washington (TDI): Pakistan has explained its position on two competing draft resolutions at the United Nations Security Council, stating that both initiatives were aimed at preventing further escalation in the Middle East and encouraging a return to diplomatic dialogue.
On March 11, the Security Council adopted a resolution introduced by Bahrain condemning recent missile and drone attacks by Iran on several Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. The resolution called for an immediate halt to such attacks.
During the same session, Russia presented another draft resolution addressing the broader military escalation in the region. However, it was vetoed by the United States. The proposal received support from Russia, China, Somalia, and Pakistan, while the United States and Latvia voted against it. Nine members abstained.
Explaining Islamabad’s stance during a council meeting on the Middle East situation, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Pakistan supported both resolutions because they addressed different aspects of the unfolding crisis.
“The consequences of the conflict we are witnessing are evident, everyone is affected,” he said, warning that continued violations of international law threaten regional peace and stability. He called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue.
Ambassador Ahmad noted that Gulf states had previously supported diplomatic engagement to ease tensions before the conflict escalated. He said Pakistan stands in “complete solidarity” with their governments and people and believes they should not bear the devastating consequences of war.
He added that Pakistan’s vote in favor of the Bahrain-sponsored resolution reflected its strong support for Gulf countries and condemned attacks on civilians, infrastructure, and key facilities.
At the same time, Pakistan also backed the Russian draft resolution, which urged all sides to halt military operations, avoid further escalation, and resume negotiations under the framework of the UN Charter.
Referring to the initial attacks on Iran on February 28, which Pakistan had earlier condemned, Ambassador Ahmad warned that the conflict had endangered international peace and security and risked dragging the entire region into instability. As a neighboring country, Pakistan also reaffirmed its support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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He further highlighted the human and economic consequences of the conflict for Pakistan. Two Pakistani nationals were killed during attacks in the UAE, while millions of Pakistanis living in Gulf countries remain exposed to the risks posed by the ongoing hostilities.
According to the ambassador, disruptions to fuel supplies have already forced Pakistan to adopt emergency measures to conserve oil, gas, and electricity. Several aviation routes have also been affected by the conflict.
Ambassador Ahmad called for an immediate halt to missile and drone strikes targeting civilian areas, including schools, residential neighborhoods, oil and port facilities, and desalination plants. He also expressed condolences over civilian casualties, including schoolchildren reportedly killed in an attack in Minab.
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He stressed that any use of force outside the framework of the UN Charter is unlawful and urged all parties to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law. Pakistan, the envoy added, supports mediation initiatives by different countries and remains engaged with regional partners to contribute constructively toward peace efforts.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Ahmad reiterated Pakistan’s call for restraint and urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and resume diplomatic negotiations to achieve a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the crisis.
