Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad Stands Firm at Security Council
At the recent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered a powerful and urgent statement in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Ahmad, a seasoned diplomat with decades of service in Pakistan’s Foreign Service, is known for his articulate advocacy on international legal norms and regional peace. His past roles include ambassadorships to Thailand and France, and service as the spokesperson of the Foreign Office.
Addressing the crisis resulting from the Israeli and US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Ahmad spoke in unwavering terms, calling the attacks a “grave violation of the UN Charter” and warning of the “risk of dangerous escalation.” He reiterated that Pakistan’s stance is “based entirely on international law and the UN Charter” and emphasized that the developments of the last 24 hours have only confirmed global fears.
Strong Condemnation of Israeli Aggression
Ambassador Ahmad sharply criticized what he described as Israel’s “wanton, continuing aggression and unprovoked strikes against Iran.” He lamented the global community’s failure to heed calls for de-escalation and peaceful resolution through dialogue.
“Pakistan has strongly and unambiguously condemned the Israeli aggression,” he declared, affirming his country’s full solidarity and support for Iran’s “inherent and legitimate right of self-defence.” He stressed that this position is fully aligned with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Ahmad also denounced the Israeli attacks on nuclear facilities safeguarded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), calling them unlawful and a clear breach of international law. “These strikes violate not only IAEA safeguards but also multiple UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 487,” he asserted.
A Call to Action from the Security Council
Ambassador Ahmad turned the Council’s attention to its responsibilities, stating, “The responsibility to carry out the decisions of the Security Council rests heaviest with its members, particularly the permanent ones.” He warned that any further escalation would have catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond.
He urged the Security Council to act urgently and decisively, presenting five key demands from Pakistan:
- Unequivocal condemnation of the attacks against Iran.
- Denouncement of unlawful strikes on safeguarded nuclear facilities.
- Reaffirmation of the obligation to protect civilian lives and infrastructure.
- Immediate cessation of hostilities and a complete ceasefire.
- Promotion of urgent dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.
Diplomatic Path Forward
In line with these objectives, Ambassador Ahmad revealed that Pakistan has joined China and Russia in circulating a draft resolution at the UN. This resolution calls for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, and a diplomatic resolution acceptable to all parties.
“We sincerely hope that the draft resolution will receive the Council’s support, enabling it to respond with unity and resolve,” he stated. Pakistan, he confirmed, remains ready to engage constructively with all Council members.
Regional Stability at Stake
Ahmad’s address concluded with a sobering reminder of the broader implications: “The Middle East, already burdened by prolonged instability, a history of Israeli illegal occupation, and continued denial of Palestinian rights, cannot absorb another crisis.”
He stressed that the use of force and unilateral military action only deepen conflicts and divisions, with tragic human consequences. “Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path forward. They must be pursued with seriousness and sincerity by all,” he urged.
