Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, has told a UN Security Council briefing on Middle East that “there is no alternative to diplomacy and dialogue for peaceful resolution of disputes”.

“ Pakistan will continue to play its constructive role to facilitate dialogue between the parties for a fruitful outcome,” he affirmed.

Condemning the “unacceptable drone attacks” against Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the weekend, Ambassador Ahmad said they were “yet another reminder of the imperative to definitively stop the ongoing tensions and confrontation in the region”.

“Pakistan calls upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint, fulfil their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, and avoid any actions that could further escalate tensions with consequences extending far beyond the region,” the envoy said.