Terming the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) a pillar of regional stability, Pakistan reiterated its strong condemnation of the attacks against GCC members — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — during the ongoing deadly conflict in the Middle East and called for restraint, diplomacy and dialogue to accomplish peace, it was reported on Friday.
“We appreciate the strategic restraint by the GCC countries in the face of such provocation and aggression,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the UN Security Council, which met under Bahrain’s presidency to discuss boosting cooperation between the UN and Arab States in the Gulf.
At the same time, Ambassador Asim spoke about “deeply troubling events” in the region, including the US-Israeli coordinated attacks against Iran on 28 February that have led to dangerous escalation and rising tensions. “These developments have undermined regional stability and carry serious implications for international peace and security as well as global economy and prosperity,” the Pakistani envoy said.
“We categorically condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The targeting of power plants, energy facilities, educational institutions, hospitals and other essential civilian sites is unacceptable and must cease immediately.” he added.
“De-escalation and complete cessation of hostilities must be our top priority,” he envoy maintained.
In this regard, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said China and Pakistan recently offered a road map comprising:
— An immediate halt to hostilities, launch of inclusive peace talk;
— Protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure;
— Restoration of maritime security in Strait of Hormuz, and,
— A firm reaffirmation of the UN Charter and international law as the indispensable framework for a lasting political settlement.
Ambassador Asim Ahmad also referred to the meeting in Islamabad between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, saying the discussions reflected a shared recognition of the urgent need to de-escalate tensions, intensify diplomatic engagement, and collectively pursue the peaceful resolution of ongoing crisis.
Pakistan, he said, attaches great importance to its fraternal relations with all GCC countries, rooted in shared religious and cultural values, mutual respect and deep people-to-people ties, reinforced by robust political, security, economic and trade partnership, energy and development cooperation.
Pakistani vibrant diaspora across GCC serves as a vital bridge, contributing to the prosperity of the host countries, and further strengthening bilateral ties, he said, adding Pakistan will always stand firmly alongside brotherly nations of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The Pakistani envoy said that enhanced cooperation between the UN and GCC represents a “strategic necessity and practical pathway towards more effective multilateral action.”
Pointing to its proactive role in Palestine, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon, he said “the GCC has truly emerged as a pillar of regional stability”.
Ambassador Asim drew attention to the General Assembly’s unanimous resolution 79/296 reaffirming support for deeper cooperation between the UN and GCC through regular high-level exchanges, joint initiatives and broader collaboration across political, economic and social areas. “We support and reiterate its call to align priorities, promote multilateralism and strengthen collective responses to global challenges,” he said.
