Pakistan is stepping up its efforts to help end the conflict in the Middle East, with Foreign Secretary Asim Iftikhar Ahmad saying Islamabad is seeking a peaceful solution through dialogue and international and UN-backed mechanisms. "Our effort is to find a peaceful and international solution to the conflict under UN laws," Ahmad said, stressing that the immediate priority was to stop the fighting and reduce tensions.

He said the UN Security Council Charter provided for disputes to be resolved through negotiations rather than war. "The Security Council's Charter is meant to resolve conflicts through negotiations, not war," he said. The diplomat acknowledged that the situation was moving in a negative direction but said Pakistan was conscious of the need to play a role in preventing further escalation.

He also pointed to Pakistan's role in past regional diplomatic engagements, saying Islamabad had been among the countries at the forefront of mediation efforts. The foreign secretary referred to the Makkah agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, saying Islamabad was taking on additional responsibility with the objective of promoting peace and stability in the region.

His remarks come as the regional crisis continues to widen, with fighting and attacks affecting Gulf security, energy infrastructure and key maritime routes. Ahmad also rejected the view that the United Nations was failing to contribute to peace efforts, saying the organisation continued to have a vital role in resolving international disputes, adding that the Palestinian and Kashmir disputes should also be resolved in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.