WEBDESK: Pakistan is keeping a close eye on rising tensions with India following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead. In light of recent developments, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, stated that the country is prepared to request a United Nations Security Council (UNSC meeting) when the time is right.
The situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors has become more tense, especially after India made strong allegations against Pakistan without presenting evidence. Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that the growing tensions threaten regional peace and security, making it a valid matter for the United Nations Security Council.
“It is evident that there was an incident, but now what has evolved in terms of the situation, which is a real threat to regional and international peace and security, and we believe that the Security Council, in fact, has the mandate, it would be very legitimate for any member of the Council, including Pakistan, to request a UNSC meeting,” he told a press conference at UN Headquarters in New York.
Pakistan has already discussed the issue with both past and current UNSC presidents – France and Greece. The ambassador confirmed that Pakistan reserves the right to call for a UNSC meeting at the appropriate moment. The Greek representative, Evangelos Sekeris, who currently heads the UNSC, said a meeting might happen “sooner rather than later.”
“Of course, if a request comes for a UNSC meeting then I think this meeting should take place because, as we said, maybe it’s also an opportunity to have views expressed and this might help to diffuse a bit of tension. We will see,” Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN and President of the Security Council for the month of May, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, had said.
The possibility of a UNSC meeting is being viewed as a way to give all sides a chance to express their concerns and reduce conflict. Ambassador Ahmad also welcomed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ offer to mediate between Pakistan and India, noting that Pakistan is open to dialogue. However, he pointed out that India has not responded to this offer yet.
Addressing India’s terrorism accusations, the ambassador said they are false and that Pakistan is, in fact, a victim of terrorism. He warned that Pakistan will defend its sovereignty if attacked, as allowed under the UN Charter.
