Pakistan urges de-escalation in Russia-Ukraine conflict

Pakistan on Sunday called for de-escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine but stopped short of either condemning the Russian invasion or showing explicit support to Kyiv in a calculated move to maintain a delicate balance.

For the first time since the start of Russian invasion, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart to discuss the situation.

It was also the first high-level contact between Pakistan and Ukraine since Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Moscow that had raised many eyebrows on the timing of his trip.

Pakistan, however, brushed aside the criticism and insisted that the visit had enhanced its diplomatic space and had nothing to do with the Ukraine crisis.

Also read: US has informed Pakistan about ‘Ukraine position’

A statement issued by the foreign office said Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with the foreign minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba.

It said Foreign Minister Qureshi shared Pakistan’s perspective in detail, reiterating serious concern at the situation, underscoring the importance of de-escalation, and stressing the indispensability of diplomacy.

FM Qureshi noted that PM Imran during his recent visit to Moscow regretted the latest situation between Russia and Ukraine and said that Pakistan had hoped diplomacy could avert a military conflict.

He stressed that conflict was not in anyone’s interest, and that the developing countries were always hit the hardest economically, in case of conflict. The foreign minister underlined Pakistan’s belief that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Qureshi also took up the important matter of evacuation of Pakistani community and students in Ukraine and their safe return to Pakistan. He appreciated the role played by the Ukrainian authorities in the evacuation process and asked for continued facilitation and smooth border crossing at the earliest possible.

Read: First PIA evacuation flights to depart for Poland today

The two foreign ministers agreed to remain in contact.

While Pakistan’s relationship with Russia has been on the upward trajectory, it also has deep defence ties with Ukraine.

Ukraine has supplied battle tanks to Pakistan and other equipment. It was because of this reason that Pakistan regularly sends retired military officers as ambassador to Kyiv.

Therefore, it is a challenge for Pakistan to walk a tightrope as it is also under pressure from the West to take a clear stance against Russia.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Qureshi has also received a telephone call from Lord Tariq Ahmad, Minister for South Asia, North Africa, the United Nations and the Commonwealth at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

The two sides exchanged views on Pakistan-UK relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest, according to an official statement.

The foreign minister reiterated the importance Pakistan attaches to its good relations and close cooperation with the UK and other European partners. He hoped that the next round of Strategic Dialogue with the UK will take place in near future.

Also read: PM Imran invites Prince Charles, wife Camilla to visit Pakistan

On the developments in Ukraine, Qureshi reiterated concerns at the heightened tensions and military escalation.

On Pakistan-UK ties, the two sides reiterated their resolve to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Lord Ahmad thanked the foreign minister for the detailed exchange and expressed hope that UK and Pakistan will keep on working together on issues of common interest.