Pakistan has expressed the hope for an early normalization of the situation in Iran, and vowed support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing regional peace and stability. Delivering his statement during a briefing at United National Security Council under the agenda “The situation in the Middle East”, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said “We strongly believe that all disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

Continued hostilities, use of force and unilateral actions will only take us further away from the resolution of core issues and cause unnecessary humanitarian suffering.” He said the threat or use of force would only aggravate the situation and undermine regional and international peace and stability. “We have full confidence in the wisdom of the Iranian people and leadership, rooted in their rich culture, ancient civilization, history and resilience to address all challenges,” the Pakistan envoy added.

“We have been carefully observing developments in Iran and the region in recent days. New threats to regional peace and stability are emerging at a time of heightened tensions and thus remain a serious cause of concern. Iran is an immediate neighbour of Pakistan and a brotherly country. The people of our two nations share deep-rooted historical, friendly, cultural and religious bonds.

We hope for an early normalization of the situation in Iran, and express support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at regional peace and stability. A stable and peaceful Iran is in the interest of Pakistan, the region and beyond. We have full confidence in the wisdom of the Iranian people and leadership, rooted in their rich culture, ancient civilization, history and resilience to address all challenges. The fundamental principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter are inviolable and sacrosanct.

The UN Charter prohibits threat or use of force against other States’ territorial integrity or independence, or to interfere in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of states. Any external interference in the domestic affairs of states is inconsistent with international law and principles of the UN Charter. We strongly believe that all disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with international law. Continued hostilities, use of force and unilateral actions will only take us further away from the resolution of core issues and cause unnecessary humanitarian suffering.

The threat or use of force would only aggravate the situation and undermine regional and international peace and stability. All parties must exercise restraint, act responsibly, strictly stay within the bounds of international law, and eschew any action that will be detrimental to regional and international peace and security. Diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles for achieving negotiated settlement of all contentious issues in accordance with the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the parties concerned.

Pakistan has consistently advocated the primacy of diplomatic engagement and the imperative of avoiding confrontation and conflict in a region already beset by tensions and volatility. We sincerely hope that the situation in Iran will soon return to calm and normalcy, free from any internal turmoil or external pressure, and all relevant parties will return to the negotiating table to find a lasting solution to their differences, based on mutual respect and understanding. I thank you.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)