UNITED NATIONS - With the Russia-Ukraine war at its deadliest point in four years, Pakistan has urged the parties to agree to an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities, allowing diplomacy the necessary space to work and bringing this conflict to an early end.
Pakistan's Call for Peace
Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, addressed the UN Security Council on Tuesday during its fifth meeting in three weeks on developments related to Ukraine or the spillover effects of the war. He stated, “The recent escalation and the continuing vicious cycle of strikes and counterstrikes have brought nothing but more devastation and suffering all across the conflict zone.”
Ambassador Jadoon expressed hope that the concerned parties would resume the United States-facilitated dialogue process at the earliest and engage meaningfully and constructively toward this end. He emphasized that Pakistan has consistently advocated for the path of dialogue and diplomacy for the peaceful settlement of this conflict.
Commitment to International Law
The Pakistani envoy underscored that pursuing peace requires commitment to the UN Charter and a focus on finding a mutually acceptable solution that corresponds to the legitimate security interests of all sides and relevant multilateral agreements. He noted that the conflict adversely impacts civilians and civil infrastructure, sounding an alarm over the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report relating to attacks around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine and the potential threat to its safety.
Ambassador Jadoon further expressed hope that the parties would continue to fully adhere to the local ceasefire understanding in the area surrounding the plant. “We are deeply troubled by these developments that take place despite repeated and overwhelming calls by the international community for the respect of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and its principles,” he said.
Urging Adherence to Obligations
The Pakistani envoy urged the parties to abide by their obligations under international law, including International Humanitarian Law, without any exception. He reiterated Pakistan's consistent stance that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
