United Nations: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, has emphasized that negotiations and dialogue remain the only viable path toward a sustainable and just resolution of the Ukraine conflict. Addressing the United Nations Security Council, the Pakistani envoy underlined the primacy of diplomacy over confrontation and urged all parties involved to fully engage in ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the prolonged crisis.
Speaking during a Security Council session focused on the situation in Ukraine, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar stated that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military means alone. He stressed that meaningful dialogue and constructive engagement are essential to resolving one of the most serious geopolitical conflicts in recent history. According to him, the supremacy of dialogue is not only a principled position but also the most practical and realistic approach to achieving durable peace.
“The path to sustainable peace in Ukraine lies in dialogue,” the Pakistani envoy said. “Negotiations are the only workable route that can address the concerns of all sides and prevent further human suffering and instability.”
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar acknowledged and appreciated the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by several countries, including the United States, to facilitate talks and reduce tensions. He welcomed these efforts as positive steps toward de-escalation and expressed hope that all stakeholders would take full advantage of the current diplomatic momentum.
He noted that the continuation of diplomacy offers an opportunity to move beyond the battlefield and toward a political settlement that is fair, inclusive, and lasting. “We hope that the parties concerned will engage constructively in the ongoing diplomatic process,” he said, adding that such efforts should ultimately lead to a just and sustainable settlement acceptable to all sides.
The Pakistani representative emphasized that any resolution of the Ukraine conflict must take into account the legitimate security concerns and interests of both Ukraine and Russia. He argued that ignoring the security imperatives of any party would only prolong instability and undermine prospects for peace.
“A durable solution must be aligned with the security interests of both Ukraine and Russia,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said. “Only by addressing these concerns in a balanced and comprehensive manner can we ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.”
He further highlighted that the continuation of the conflict has far-reaching consequences not only for Europe but for the entire international community. The war has disrupted global supply chains, exacerbated food and energy insecurity, and increased economic pressures on developing countries. From Pakistan’s perspective, these global repercussions make it even more urgent to pursue a negotiated settlement.
The envoy also reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position in favor of peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter. He said Pakistan consistently advocates restraint, de-escalation, and engagement as the foundation for resolving international conflicts.
“Pakistan believes firmly in the peaceful settlement of disputes,” he said. “History has shown that conflicts resolved through dialogue are more durable and less costly in human and economic terms than those pursued through force.”
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar expressed optimism that the current diplomatic efforts, if pursued sincerely and in good faith, could pave the way for a breakthrough. He urged the international community to support initiatives that promote dialogue, confidence-building, and mutual understanding rather than actions that could further inflame tensions.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining unity within the United Nations and upholding multilateralism in addressing global challenges. According to him, the Ukraine conflict underscores the need for collective responsibility and cooperative problem-solving, rather than unilateral actions or zero-sum approaches.
The Pakistani envoy concluded his remarks by expressing hope that the diplomatic process would ultimately contribute to peace and stability in Europe. He said a peaceful resolution of the conflict would not only benefit Ukraine and Russia but also help restore stability, trust, and cooperation across the European continent.
“Peace in Ukraine is essential for peace in Europe,” he said. “A just and lasting settlement will contribute to regional stability and reinforce the credibility of diplomacy and multilateralism at a time when the world urgently needs them.”
Pakistan’s statement at the Security Council reflects its broader foreign policy approach, which prioritizes dialogue, mediation, and respect for international law. By calling negotiations the only viable solution, Islamabad has once again positioned itself among those advocating a diplomatic end to the conflict, amid continued fighting and uncertainty on the ground.
As the war in Ukraine enters another challenging phase, Pakistan’s message adds to growing international calls for renewed diplomatic engagement. While the path to peace remains complex and fraught with obstacles, the emphasis on negotiations highlights the belief that, ultimately, dialogue remains the most effective tool for resolving even the most entrenched conflicts.
