Describing the GCC as a pillar of regional stability, Pakistan reiterated its strong condemnation of attacks against GCC members – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – during the ongoing deadly conflict in the Middle East, and called for restraint, diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace.
United Nations (APP – Urdu Point / Pakistan Point News – 3 Apr, 2026) Describing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a pillar of regional stability, Pakistan reiterated its strong condemnation of attacks against GCC members – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – during the ongoing deadly conflict in the Middle East and called for restraint, diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace.
“We appreciate the strategic restraint by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the face of such provocation and aggression,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council, which met under the leadership of Bahrain to discuss enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and Arab countries in the Gulf.
At the same time, he spoke of “deeply troubling events” in the region, including the coordinated US-Israeli attacks against Iran on February 28 that led to a dangerous escalation and rising tensions.
The Pakistani envoy said, “These developments have undermined regional stability and have serious implications for international peace and security as well as the global economy and prosperity.”
“We categorically condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The targeting of power plants, energy facilities, educational institutions, hospitals and other essential civilian sites is unacceptable and must stop immediately.” He added.
“De-escalation and a complete cessation of hostilities must be our top priorities.”
In this regard, Ambassador Asim Ahmed said that China and Pakistan recently presented a road map that includes:
– Immediate cessation of hostilities and initiation of comprehensive peace talks;
– Protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
– Restoring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
— Strongly reaffirm the United Nations Charter and international law as the indispensable framework for achieving a lasting political settlement.
Ambassador Asim Ahmed also referred to the meeting held in Islamabad between the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, saying that the discussions reflected a shared recognition of the urgent need to de-escalate tensions, intensify diplomatic engagement and collectively seek a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis.
He said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its fraternal relations with all Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which are rooted in common religious and cultural values, mutual respect and deep relations between peoples, which are strengthened by strong political, security, economic and trade partnership and cooperation in the field of energy and development.
He said that the vibrant Pakistani diaspora across the GCC represents a vital bridge, which contributes to the prosperity of the host countries and further strengthens bilateral relations, adding that Pakistan will always stand firmly alongside sister countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Pakistani envoy said that strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council represents a “strategic necessity and a practical path towards more effective multilateral action.”
He referred to its proactive role in Palestine, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon, and said that “the Gulf Cooperation Council has truly emerged as a pillar of regional stability.”
Ambassador Asim Ahmed drew attention to unanimous General Assembly Resolution 79/296 which reaffirms support for deeper cooperation between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries through regular high-level exchanges, joint initiatives and broader cooperation across the political, economic and social spheres.
“We support and reiterate its call to align priorities, strengthen multilateralism and strengthen collective responses to global challenges,” he said.
First, UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council that the Middle East was standing “on a dangerous brink.”
He condemned the attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Iran, and cited the demand – enshrined in Council Resolution 2817 (2026) last month – to immediately stop all attacks launched by Tehran against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi told the council that Iran targeted vital civilian infrastructure, including airports, oil facilities, residential and commercial areas, fuel depots, service facilities and diplomatic missions.
He stressed that “the Cooperation Council strongly condemns these blatant Iranian attacks, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the GCC states, the principle of good-neighborly relations, international law, and the Charter of the United Nations.”
He stressed that “the Gulf Cooperation Council countries do not seek war.” “They seek the peace, security and stability that all peoples deserve.”