Pakistan calls to end Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomacy

Pakistan has underscored the importance of finding a diplomatic solution for the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Speaking at last night’s emergency sitting of the special session of the United Nations General Assembly which opened on Monday, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Munir Akram said that Pakistan is deeply concerned over the recent turn of events, in reference to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ambassador Akram pointed out that Pakistan had repeatedly stressed the need for de-escalation, renewed negotiations, sustained dialogue, and continuous diplomacy regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“All efforts must be made to avoid further escalation of violence and loss of life as well as military, political and economic tensions, which can pose an unprecedented threat to international peace and security and global economic stability,” he had said.

Speaking further, Ambassador Akram underlined that countries that are the hardest hit economically by conflict anywhere are developing countries.

“We hope the talks initiated between representatives of the Russian Federation and Ukraine will succeed in bringing about a cessation of hostilities and normalization of the situation,” he added.

Ambassador Akram also voiced out concern regarding the safety and welfare of Pakistani citizens and students in Ukraine, noting that the majority of them had been evacuated and that those who remain would be evacuated soon.

He also thanked authorities from Ukraine and other neighboring countries for their cooperation in the evacuation efforts.

Ambassador Akram also gave full assurance that Pakistan will support all efforts to provide humanitarian relief to civilians in war-torn areas.

In last night’s emergency sitting, member countries of the General Assembly passed a resolution titled ‘Aggression against Ukraine’, which demands the immediate halt of Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the withdrawal of all Russian troops.

From the 193 member countries which attended the sitting, 141 countries voted in favor of the resolution. Meanwhile, five countries, including Russia itself, had voted against the resolution. These countries are Belarus, Syria, Eritrea and North Korea.

The remaining 35 countries abstained from voting. Pakistan is amongst these 35 countries.

Pakistan had alleged their refusal to take sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has subjected the country to pressure.

Pakistan’s Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari had stated that the country is being pressured by countries belonging to the European Union. Stressing that Pakistan did not support war, she added that pressure by a third party against Pakistan over any matter is unacceptable.