Diplomatic Balance
Diplomatic Balance: Pakistan faces a tough situation with the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. It must condemn attacks on Iran without angering the United States. At the same time, it must criticise Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries. This challenge became clear at the UN Security Council. Pakistan supported two different resolutions about Iran.
Competing Resolutions
The first resolution, proposed by Bahrain, criticized Iran for attacking Gulf states and Jordan. This resolution passed. The second, proposed by Russia, mourned the loss of life but did not pass. The US accused Russia of protecting Iran. Pakistan defended its position. It said it supported Gulf states and also urged a halt to fighting through the Russian resolution.
Balanced Diplomacy
Pakistan cannot support the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. It criticized the attack but chose its words carefully. Pakistan also shows solidarity with Gulf states for economic, strategic, and political reasons. The country has a defence pact with Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister recently visited Saudi Arabia, and the Chief of Defence Staff visited last week. These visits show that Pakistan priorities Saudi defence.
Push for Ceasefire
Pakistan should push for a ceasefire. The ceasefire must stop attacks on all regional countries. It must also prevent the US and Israel from attacking Iran or other nations freely. PM Shehbaz Sharif discussed this with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Mr Pezeshkian said the world must address the main causes of the conflict.
New Ceasefire Plan
Pakistan can work with Turkey and other Muslim countries to propose a new ceasefire at the UN. The previous resolutions did not clearly call for a truce. A successful peace plan must include three points: stop attempts to change Iran’s government, end all attacks on regional states, and make the US and Israel promise not to violate Iran’s or any country’s sovereignty. If leaders follow these steps, the region can begin to return to normal.
Published in Dawn,13th March 2026
