Pakistan has urged all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue as the path forward for peace in the Caribbean.In a statement at the UN Security Council's emergency meeting on Venezuela, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, called upon the parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and refrain from any actions that could further inflame the situation in the Caribbean region.He cautioned against the path of confrontation and zero-sum approaches.

He said that Pakistan's consistent position has been to support dialogue, in good faith, as the only viable and sustainable tool for resolving differences.Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said Pakistan encourages the parties to utilize all available diplomatic channels and seek constructive engagement under the framework of international law. They may also avail the auspices and good offices of the UN, the Secretary General or relevant regional organizations, as appropriate. 

Ambassador Asim further said that we recognize that transnational organized crime including drug trafficking is a challenge to the wellbeing of societies and communities. He, however, suggested that the international response to these problems must be rooted in the principle of "common and shared responsibility" in strict conformity with international law including the UN Charter. Noting that the world is already operating in a polarized and fractured global context, he underscored the centrality and inviolability of UN Charter and its core principles as governing principles of the inter-state relations.

He said that the actions that run contrary to the UN Charter and its principles risk setting dangerous precedents and could lead to consequences that can destabilize entire region. The Pakistan's envoy urged all parties to respect the imperative of peaceful coexistence and choose the path of dialogue and cooperation to ensure that this region is indeed a "Zone of Peace".

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)