Pakistan today finds itself navigating one of the most complex diplomatic challenges in recent memory. The ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran has reshaped the regional security environment, forcing Islamabad to balance moral, strategic, and economic considerations in equal measure. The difficulty of this balancing act was evident at the United Nations Security Council earlier this week, where Pakistan supported two seemingly contradictory resolutions linked to the conflict.

One resolution, sponsored by Bahrain, condemned Tehran’s attacks on Gulf states and Jordan. The other, tabled by Russia, expressed sorrow over the loss of life and called for restraint. Pakistan’s envoy explained that both votes were consistent with the country’s position: solidarity with Gulf allies, coupled with support for initiatives that urge an end to hostilities. This dual approach underscores Pakistan’s effort to maintain credibility with multiple partners while avoiding alignment with aggression that undermines regional stability.

It would be morally indefensible for Pakistan to endorse the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. At the same time, Islamabad has avoided language that could be interpreted as outright hostility toward Washington, mindful of the broader relationship and the need to protect national interests. The government has also reiterated its solidarity with Gulf states, a stance shaped by economic ties, strategic imperatives, and longstanding defence commitments.

Pakistan’s mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia remains central to this equation. The prime minister’s recent visit to Riyadh, following the chief of defence forces’ trip last week, signals that the kingdom’s security is a priority. When the pact was signed, many observers believed it was designed to shield Saudi Arabia from external threats, including Israel. Today, it serves as a reminder that Pakistan’s security obligations extend beyond rhetoric and into concrete commitments.

The most constructive path forward for Pakistan lies in advocating for a ceasefire that halts attacks on all regional states and prevents further escalation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian highlight Islamabad’s willingness to engage directly with Tehran, while also working with Turkiye and other Muslim states to push for a fresh resolution at the UN. Unlike the two earlier documents, any new initiative must explicitly call for a truce.

For such a peace plan to succeed, three principles must be guaranteed. First, there must be unequivocal rejection of attempts to impose regime change in Iran. Second, all attacks on regional states must cease immediately. Third, the US and Israel must pledge to respect the sovereignty of Iran and other nations. Only by embedding these assurances into a collective framework can the region begin to move toward normalcy.

History has shown that external interventions rarely deliver stability in the Middle East. Pakistan’s challenge is to remain principled yet pragmatic, condemning aggression while safeguarding alliances. By pressing for dialogue and ceasefire, Islamabad can help steer the region away from further destruction and toward a more balanced, cooperative security order.