Following the recent escalation in tensions between Pakistan and India, Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic outreach in line with Article 33 of the United Nations Charter, which mandates peaceful settlement of international disputes.

In a telephonic conversation with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s inalienable right to defend its sovereignty, as outlined in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. He condemned terrorism in all forms while rejecting India’s preliminary allegations.

The Prime Minister called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident, in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He also voiced concerns over India’s conduct in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting state-sponsored terrorism and efforts to delegitimise the Kashmiri freedom struggle—actions that contravene the Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Furthermore, he criticised India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a breach of international law that jeopardises the lives of over 240 million people reliant on this shared resource.

Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have engaged allies such as the UAE, Hungary, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with their foreign ministers to strengthen bilateral ties and promote mutual objectives of peace, stability, and sustainable development.

These efforts underscore Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its responsibility as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. It is evident that Pakistan seeks a lawful and peaceful solution to regional disputes.

ADVOCATE RIAZ ALI PANHWAR,

Hyderabad.