ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad of Pakistan has called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire across all Occupied Palestinian Territories, along with the lifting of the blockade to ensure unfettered humanitarian access.
Ambassador Ahmad, Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, stated this in a speech at the UN General Assembly – Veto Debate (Palestinian Question) on October 1, 2025, according to a post shared by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN on its official X handle.
‘Truth is stark’
In his statement, Pakistan’s ambassador, while highlighting the plight of Palestinians, said, “The truth is stark. Gaza has been pulverized. Families huddle under broken concrete, searching for children who will never return. Hunger stalks every street; famine has already taken hold in Gaza City and threatens to engulf Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah.”
“More than 66,000 Palestinians — the vast majority women and children — have been killed. Homes, schools, and hospitals have been deliberately wiped out. This is not war. It is the erasure of a people’s future. Israel, the occupying power, must be held fully accountable,” he stated.
Anguish and concern
He said, “We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Denmark on behalf of the 10 elected members of the Security Council, including Pakistan, who jointly tabled the draft resolution that was vetoed. And that is the reason we are here. We greatly appreciate the role played by Denmark in coordinating the E-10.”
Expressing anguish and deep concern at the Security Council’s failure to act, he stated that “a resolution intended to halt the carnage and deliver humanitarian relief was blocked — leaving millions to their unfortunate fate.”
Ambassador Asim said for the elected 10 members of the Council, this was not routine diplomacy. It was an urgent effort to answer the cries of a people trapped in bombing, rubble, famine, and despair. The failure to move forward was bitterly disappointing.
“But paralysis in one chamber must not mean incapacity across the United Nations and the international community,” he added.
‘Cautiously but sincerely’
The ambassador stated that the recent consultations held by President Trump with Arab and OIC leaders, as well as the announcement of a US plan, are noteworthy developments that have been widely welcomed. “We hope — cautiously but sincerely, that such initiatives can help deliver what is most urgently needed: an immediate ceasefire, an end to the war, unfettered humanitarian assistance, and, above all, a credible political horizon towards Palestinian statehood,” he added.
Pakistan, as part of these consultations, will work to ensure that efforts are judged not by promises, but by results: stopping the killing, ending the occupation, reuniting families, rebuilding Gaza, and guaranteeing protection and dignity to the Palestinian people, the Pakistani envoy stressed.
Joint statement
The ambassador, regarding the recently released joint statement, stated: “Let me note in this regard, that in a Joint Statement, the Foreign Ministers of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt welcomed President Trump’s efforts, including his announcement that he would not allow the annexation of the West Bank, and reaffirmed their joint commitment to work with the United States to end the war in Gaza through a comprehensive deal, one that ensures unrestricted delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid, prevents displacement of the Palestinians, secures the release of hostages, achieves full Israeli withdrawal, rebuilds Gaza, and creates a path for a just peace based on the two-state solution, under which Gaza is fully integrated with the West Bank in a Palestinian state in accordance with international law, as key to achieving regional stability and security.”
Five urgent calls
Ambassador Ahmad added: In line with these commitments, today, from this podium, we make five urgent calls:
i. An immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire across all Occupied Palestinian Territories;
ii. The lifting of the blockade and unfettered humanitarian access;
iii. The release of all hostages and Palestinian prisoners;
iv. A complete end to forced displacement, settlements, and any designs for annexation;
v. A credible, time-bound political process in line with international legitimacy, to establish an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
“Pakistan will remain steadfast in solidarity with the Palestinian people,” the Pakistani ambassador stated.
