Pakistan calls for immediate ceasefire and diplomacy to resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict, citing humanitarian crisis caused by recent attack on Luhansk college dormitory.
Pakistan has called for dialogue, diplomacy, and an immediate ceasefire to peacefully settle the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict at a UN Security Council meeting. The call came in response to a deadly strike that hit a college dormitory housing students in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, addressed the 15-member council and emphasized the need for purposeful efforts to end this protracted conflict.
Edem Wosornu, director of operations and advocacy at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, briefed the council on the attack, which reportedly caused scores of civilian casualties, including children. He highlighted that civilians must be protected and underscored the human cost of the war, noting that nearly 16,000 civilians have been killed and more than 44,000 injured in Ukraine since February 2022.
Ambassador Ahmad stressed that military means cannot bring lasting peace. "Only a resolute commitment to dialogue, a complete cessation of hostilities, and necessary political will can bring about enduring peace," he asserted. Pakistan has consistently favored and advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the path to peaceful settlement of this conflict.
The Pakistani envoy reiterated his country's hope for the parties to resume the US-facilitated dialogue process at the earliest. "Bringing lasting peace would require commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and a focus on finding a mutually acceptable solution that corresponds to the legitimate security interests of all sides, and the relevant multilateral agreements," he said.
The deadly attack on the Luhansk college dormitory has further highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Pakistan's call for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic efforts reflects its commitment to resolving conflicts through peaceful means and protecting civilians caught in armed conflict.
