Pakistan Takes a Firm Stand at the United Nations
In a strongly worded and uncompromising statement at the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, voiced deep concern over Israel’s escalating military aggression, particularly its recent attack on Iranian territory, which he described as a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
The Pakistani envoy stated unequivocally that Iran has the full right to defend itself in accordance with international law, particularly under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognizes the inherent right of nations to self-defense in the event of armed aggression.
Iran-Israel Tensions Spark Global Diplomatic Concern
The recent flare-up between Iran and Israel has alarmed governments around the world. The situation became particularly tense when Israel conducted an airstrike allegedly targeting Iranian military personnel and infrastructure in Syria, which Iran claims was an act of blatant provocation. Iran responded with a barrage of missile strikes, targeting Israeli military sites, an action that it described as a legitimate and proportionate retaliation.
These actions have led to calls for restraint from various international actors, while also igniting a global debate on sovereignty, security, and the enforcement of international norms.
Pakistan Condemns Israel’s Aggression and Civilian Killings in Gaza
Gaza Crisis Remains a Central Focus of Pakistani Foreign Policy
During his speech, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar did not limit his criticism to Israel’s actions against Iran. He also condemned the continued Israeli assault on Gaza, where thousands of unarmed civilians, including women and children, have lost their lives or been injured in indiscriminate bombing campaigns.
“The brutal killing of innocent civilians, including children, in Gaza by Israeli forces is not just a human tragedy—it is a crime against humanity that must be condemned in the strongest terms,” the ambassador emphasized.
The Pakistani representative called for immediate international action to stop Israeli aggression in both Gaza and broader Middle East, urging the UN Security Council to fulfill its moral and legal responsibilities.
Legal Foundation: Iran’s Right to Self-Defense Under the UN Charter
Article 51 and the Principle of Sovereignty
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar’s defense of Iran’s retaliatory actions draws directly from Article 51 of the UN Charter, which states:
“Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations…”
According to this principle, Iran, being a sovereign nation and a member of the UN, possesses the legal right to respond to acts of aggression initiated by another state—in this case, Israel.
The ambassador warned that continued violations of sovereignty, if left unchecked, could destabilize not only the Middle East but the entire international system of peace and cooperation.
The Global Response: Mixed Reactions to Escalation
Calls for Restraint vs. Strategic Silence
The international community has responded with a mixed chorus of concern, condemnation, and diplomatic caution:
- The United States, a close ally of Israel, has condemned the Iranian missile attacks while calling for restraint from both sides.
- European Union leaders have urged de-escalation and warned of a humanitarian catastrophe if the situation spirals into a full-scale war.
- China and Russia, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, have called for adherence to international law and advocated for multilateral dialogue.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has stood firmly in support of international law, sovereignty, and human rights, aligning its stance with principles of non-intervention and peaceful conflict resolution.
Pakistan’s Longstanding Position on the Middle East Conflict
Solidarity with Palestine and Opposition to Regional Militarism
Pakistan has historically maintained a consistent position on Middle East conflicts. It has strongly supported the Palestinian cause and opposed Israel’s military actions, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank.
The country has also warned against unilateral military interventions in sovereign states, whether by Israel, the U.S., or other regional powers. Its current stance defending Iran’s right to retaliate underlines Pakistan’s broader policy of:
- Upholding international law
- Protecting the rights of sovereign nations
- Promoting peaceful dispute resolution through the UN system
Pakistan has not recognized Israel since its creation in 1948 and continues to demand a just resolution of the Palestinian conflict, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital.
UN Security Council Urged to Act Firmly Against Israeli Actions
Pakistani Envoy Demands Immediate Intervention
Ambassador Iftikhar emphasized the urgent need for the UN Security Council to play a proactive role, saying:
“The Security Council must rise above political interests and take a firm stance against Israel’s blatant violations. Otherwise, its credibility as a guardian of international peace and security will be further eroded.”
He called on the Council to:
- Initiate an independent investigation into Israel’s attacks on Iranian and Palestinian territories.
- Enforce UN resolutions related to Israeli settlements and occupation.
- Work toward a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and other conflict zones.
- Press for humanitarian assistance to be delivered unimpeded to affected civilian populations.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A Growing Tragedy
Devastating Impact on Civilians
Beyond the geopolitical debate, the human cost of the ongoing crisis has been staggering. Over the past year, Gaza has witnessed:
- The destruction of schools, hospitals, and residential buildings
- Severe shortages of food, water, and medicine
- A near-collapse of the healthcare system
- The deaths of thousands of children and elderly people
Pakistan, through its Embassy in Egypt and Jordan, has already facilitated humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza and continues to urge the international community to do more.
Middle East Peace: A Shared Responsibility
Avoiding Full-Scale Regional War
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar concluded his remarks with a call for peace and dialogue, noting that the current crisis can only be resolved through mutual respect, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
“We must return to the path of diplomacy. There is no military solution to these conflicts—only a political one that honors the rights of all peoples and respects the sovereignty of all nations.”
He also warned that if Israel continues its aggressive posture unchecked, it risks triggering a regional conflict that could involve multiple countries, disrupt global oil supplies, and destabilize international markets.
Conclusion: Pakistan’s Voice at the UN Signals a Broader Shift
Pakistan’s vocal support for Iran’s right to self-defense and its sharp condemnation of Israel at the UN Security Council marks a significant reaffirmation of its foreign policy principles. It also signals Islamabad’s intent to play a larger diplomatic role in international affairs, especially concerning peace and stability in the Middle East.
As tensions continue to mount, voices like Pakistan’s remind the world that the UN Charter and international law must not be selectively applied, and that justice, peace, and accountability must be upheld for all nations—big or small.
