ISLAMABAD: During security council meeting, Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent Israeli military strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran , denouncing them as “unjustified and illegitimate aggression” that could further destabilize the Middle East.
The condemnation was issued by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a UN Security Council briefing on the deteriorating situation in the region.
Ambassador Ahmad thanked Iran, along with China, Algeria, and the Russian Federation, for convening the emergency meeting. He also expressed appreciation to IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi and UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for their briefings.
Expressing solidarity with Iran, Ambassador Ahmad extended Pakistan’s condolences for the loss of life and damage caused by the strikes. He emphasized that the attacks constituted a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and contravened both the UN Charter and international law. He reiterated Iran’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter.
The ambassador warned that the strikes were part of a broader pattern of Israeli conduct across the region, citing ongoing operations in Gaza and cross-border attacks in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. He characterized these actions as unilateral militarism and violations of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, amounting to acts of aggression under UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974).
“Israel’s repeated violations normalize impunity, weaken the authority of the United Nations, and seriously undermine international order,” he said.
Ambassador Ahmad underscored the devastating impact of these policies, particularly in Gaza, where he condemned the humanitarian toll of Israel’s blockade and military operations.
He also criticized the timing of the strikes, noting they occurred during sensitive diplomatic efforts to resolve issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. He called the attacks “morally indefensible” and warned they could erode trust in the negotiation process.
The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for resolving the matter through diplomacy, citing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a vital framework for peaceful engagement. He also condemned the targeting of safeguarded nuclear facilities, describing it as a breach of international law, the IAEA Statute, and several agency resolutions.
Citing UN Security Council Resolution 487, he stressed that such actions pose a direct threat to global non-proliferation efforts and the IAEA’s integrity.
Ambassador Ahmad urged all parties to de-escalate and prioritize dialogue. He warned that continued aggression risks broader conflict and undermines global efforts to secure peace—especially at a time when momentum is building for the recognition of a Palestinian state within a two-state solution framework.
He called on the Security Council to act decisively, stating: “This Council must not allow impunity. Israel must be held accountable for its actions.”
In conclusion, Ambassador Ahmad called for a renewed commitment to diplomacy and adherence to the UN Charter, urging the international community to reject any misuse of the right to self-defence as a pretext for unlawful force.
“It is our collective duty to defend international law and prioritize peaceful resolution through diplomacy,” he said.
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