United Nations, Pakistan has welcomed the recently agreed-upon limited ceasefire, which prohibits attacks on energy infrastructure and ensures safe navigation in the Black Sea.

Delivering Pakistan’s national statement at the UN Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative-designate to the UN, expressed appreciation for the active engagement of the U.S. administration and its leadership in securing the agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

“We remain optimistic that this new dynamic and the momentum generated by these initial steps will eventually lead to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire,” he stated.

Ambassador Ahmad expressed hope that all parties would earnestly uphold their commitments and commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its role in facilitating dialogue and promoting peace.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent stance on the Ukraine conflict, the Ambassador emphasized that Pakistan has, from the outset, advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful resolution. He underscored that security concerns at the heart of the conflict can only be addressed through an inclusive approach, ensuring sustainable and durable peace in the wider region.

Highlighting Pakistan’s friendly relations with both Russia and Ukraine, he expressed deep regret over the heavy toll the conflict has taken on civilians, now in its fourth year. “Every human life matters,” he stated.

Ambassador Ahmad reaffirmed that the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is an obligation under international law and international humanitarian law. He called for full and consistent adherence to these principles by all parties.

For humanitarian efforts to be effective, he stressed the necessity of ensuring access and protection for humanitarian workers. He urged all parties to fulfill their obligations to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access while ensuring the safety of aid personnel.

He also reiterated that the Third Geneva Convention, which governs the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs), is binding on all parties to the conflict and called for strict adherence to its provisions.

“Pakistan’s position on this and other conflicts is grounded in the principles of the UN Charter—respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, self-determination for peoples, and the prohibition of acquiring territory by force. In line with the Charter, states must honor international agreements, fulfill their obligations, and respond to the legitimate security concerns of all nations,” he concluded