Pakistan urges Ukraine conflict de-escalation

UNITED NATIONS:

Pakistan has called for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, strict adherence to international law and international humanitarian law, and renewed engagement in dialogue to achieve a comprehensive and durable peace, Radio Pakistan reported on Monday.

Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of hostilities and their devastating impact on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

He underscored that the conflict's humanitarian consequences, coupled with its adverse implications for global food and energy security, continued to disproportionately affect developing countries well beyond the region.

He said Pakistan was deeply concerned by the continued escalation in fighting and the resulting harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Shah urged both parties to refrain from further expanding the conflict, de-escalate tensions, scrupulously fulfil their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, and recommit to dialogue to bring an early end to the hostilities.

Referring to the recent developments in Oleshky, he observed that meaningful and tangible progress could only be achieved through dialogue and cooperation.

He commended both sides for working together to avert a potential humanitarian disaster in the region and appreciated the efforts undertaken to facilitate the safe evacuation of stranded civilians under a limited ceasefire arrangement.

Ambassador Shah said he would like to particularly appreciate the dedication and personal commitment of the First Lady of the United States for taking the initiative, bringing the two parties together and securing the limited ceasefire agreement to allow for the safe evacuation of stranded civilians.

The permanent representative further stated that the pursuit of a military solution would only risk further escalation and prolong the suffering of those affected by the conflict. He appreciated the mediatory efforts and leadership of the United States in seeking to bring the conflict to an end.