ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the ongoing war in Ukraine reflects a "failure of diplomacy," as he called for conflict resolution in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
Pakistan has abstained from UN resolutions condemning Russia, which began a multipronged assault on Ukrainian territory in late February, calling only for a cessation of violence, as Islamabad has been trying to maintain good relations with both Moscow and Kyiv. It imports military equipment and the bulk of its wheat from both countries.
“From the outset, Pakistan has been deeply concerned at the onset of military conflict. The conflict reflects failure of diplomacy. There is a need for immediate cessation of hostilities, sustained dialogue, and continuous diplomacy,” Sharif told Arab News in a written interview on Friday.
“We hope that the talks initiated between the representatives of Russia and Ukraine will resume soon and have a productive outcome,” he said. “A diplomatic solution in accordance with relevant multilateral agreements, international law, and the provisions of the UN Charter is indispensable.”
The prime minister said Pakistan has been engaged with “all sides” in diplomatic efforts for conflict resolution: “Countries like Pakistan, who are non-partisan, have the space to speak to both sides and help facilitate efforts for cessation of hostilities and a diplomatic way forward.”
The impact of the war, he added, was already felt in other parts of the world, especially in developing countries.
“The conflict is not in the interest of anyone especially the developing world. Developing countries like Pakistan are the worst affected by the conflict. This has already begun to manifest in the rising oil and food prices in international market.”
More than 11 million people are believed to have fled their homes in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began, according to the United Nations. More than 5.3 million have left to seek refuge in neighboring countries. While Russia has denied targeting civilians, UN
investigators have so far documented over 5,900 civilian casualties in Ukraine, which included nearly 3,000 killed.
“Pakistan supports all efforts to provide humanitarian relief to civilians in the affected areas,” Sharif said. “It is important to establish and maintain humanitarian corridors, provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and continue efforts for a diplomatic solution.”
Islamabad had dispatched two C-130 aircraft to deliver relief assistance to Ukraine and was considering sending more supplies as a “gesture of solidarity,” he added.
“We are also considering sending further assistance.”
