Pakistan taking additional responsibility under Makkah agreement: Asim Iftikhar

Speaking in New York, Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan was playing a role in efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East and was seeking a peaceful solution in accordance with international law and United Nations principles. He said Pakistan wanted a ceasefire, a reduction in tensions and the parties to be brought back to the negotiating table.

He added that the UN Security Council Charter calls for disputes to be resolved through dialogue rather than war. Asim Iftikhar said all three countries were part of the Makkah Agreement and Pakistan was taking on additional responsibility under the accord.

“We recognise that the situation is moving in a negative direction, and we understand that we have to play a role,” he said. He said Pakistan’s objective was to promote peace and stability in the region.

He added that the world had been watching developments in the Iran-US conflict and Pakistan was among the countries that had played a role in efforts concerning the conflict. Asim Iftikhar said the conflicts in Palestine and Kashmir should be resolved in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

He rejected the notion that the United Nations was not playing a role in promoting peace. Pakistan’s diplomatic push comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Islamabad seeking to balance its commitments under the Makkah Agreement with its efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation.