Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed says that democracy, dialogue must be maintained for 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 “unprovoked 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 meeting examined the consequences of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and revealed divisions among the 15-member body over rising regional tensions. Addressing 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 underway to reach a peaceful and negotiated solution. Such a course… pic.twitter.com/LtG70ffu76
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations (@PakistanUN_NY) 28 February 2026
In a formal statement delivered under the agenda item “The situation in the Middle East”, he said the attacks came at a time when renewed diplomatic efforts were underway to reach a negotiated solution.
“Such 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 these countries.
Ahmad said several Arab states had supported 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 fraternal Gulf states,” he said.
He also condemned the death of a Pakistani citizen in the United Arab Emirates during the attacks and called on 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-Israel strike
Ahmad expressed regret that diplomacy had been “derailed” as the attacks took place in the midst of talks, saying military action undermines dialogue and erodes trust.
Pakistan offered its condolences to civilians affected by the violence, including school children 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 states’ territorial integrity or political independence.
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 security and welfare of millions of Pakistanis living across 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 to achieve a peaceful solution.
“Diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles,” he said, calling on all sides to immediately halt the escalation and immediately resume negotiations to achieve a peaceful solution.
