Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad calls for dialogue, diplomacy to end Ukraine war
Newswire
Islamabad: Amid the escalation of large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine, Pakistan thids week called for an end to the conflict, now in its fourth year, through dialogue and a negotiated settlement.
“We note with deep dismay the continuation in fighting, resulting in the loss of innocent civilian lives, including children,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, said at an emergency meeting of the Security Council convened by Ukraine. Russia hit Ukraine with deadly missiles and drone strikes early on Thursday in a sweeping attack that the U.S. special envoy on Ukraine said undermined President Donald Trump’s peace efforts.
At least 23 people were killed in the capital, Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said in a statement.
Pakistan, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said, had repeatedly voiced its concerns on the continuing hostilities and devastating consequences of this conflict, particularly its humanitarian toll.
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He welcomed the recent diplomatic efforts spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump to bring an end to this conflict, noting the leadership-level contacts between the U.S. and Russia, as well as summit-level interactions between the US and Ukraine and a group of European leaders.
“We remain hopeful that the diplomatic groundwork laid down at the start of the year, including Security Council Resolution 2774, multiple rounds of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and the recent high-level interactions, would lead to a meaningful outcome, an early end to hostilities and an enduring peace in the region,” the Pakistani envoy said.
“These efforts must not stop and should in fact be continued earnestly and followed up with more diplomacy, deeper engagement and structured and sustained talks,” he added.
“Only a sincere and meaningful dialogue which addresses the security concerns of all sides, which is anchored in the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and respects the relevant multilateral agreements, can help secure peace, which is both just and enduring”.
