Ukraine Summit
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has declined Switzerland’s invitation to the Ukraine Peace Summit, citing scheduling conflicts and other considerations. “Pakistan received an invitation from Switzerland for the conference, which is being held from 15th to 16th of June.
However, due to a host of factors, including scheduling challenges, Pakistan is not participating in this conference,” stated FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at the weekly media briefing.
The two-day summit, taking place at the Bürgenstock resort outside Lucerne, Switzerland, aims to garner international support for Ukraine’s vision of peace, as outlined in Ukrainian President Zelensky’s ten-point peace formula.
Although 160 countries were invited, only about 90 are attending. Notable absences include China and several important countries from the Global South, which have shown reluctance to join an anti-Russia forum without Moscow’s participation. Beijing has rejected allegations of unwillingness to attend.
Given Moscow’s absence, expectations for tangible outcomes from the summit are modest. Islamabad’s decision to skip the conference is seen as a diplomatic move to maintain neutrality in the conflict.
Pakistan has historically maintained good relations with Ukraine, having purchased weapons systems from the country in the past. However, Pakistan has also been strengthening ties with Russia in recent years.
“We reiterate our call for immediate cessation of hostilities and stress the need for diplomacy and dialogue for an early negotiated end to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia,” the spokesperson added.
“Pakistan stands for universal and consistent application of UN Charter principles, including non-use or threat of use of force, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, pacific settlement of disputes, and equal security for all states,” Baloch emphasized.
In other news, Spokesperson Baloch rejected Delhi’s allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in the recent surge of violence in India-held Kashmir. “The Indian occupation authorities and media have a habit of making such irresponsible statements.
No one takes these allegations seriously,” she stated. Responding to another question, she dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated news reports that did not merit comment.
Police in India-held Kashmir have accused Pakistan of orchestrating a series of attacks that resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals and left dozens injured over the past three days.
Pakistan also welcomed the report of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel.
“We call on global conscience to force Israel towards an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. It is also critical to bring an end to the war on the people of Gaza,” Baloch said.
She also welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2735 and expressed hope for a permanent and sustainable ceasefire, aiming to end the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
