Envoys of 22 countries, mostly from the European Union, in Pakistan have issued a joint statement calling on the Pakistan government to condemn Russia’s action in Ukraine, hardly a week after Prime Minister Imran Khan returned from his visit to Moscow. 

This joint statement came just when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is debating a resolution condemning Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. The envoys also urged Islamabad to support the upcoming resolution in the UNGA. 

“As heads of mission to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, we urge Pakistan to join us in condemning Russia's actions," reads the joint statement signed by envoys from 22 countries.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Thursday last week—a move Moscow described as a “special military operation”  when Prime Minister Imran Khan was a two-day visit to Russia. Despite criticism over the timing of the visit, Islamabad defended Khan’s visit. 

So far Pakistan has not condemned Russia but expressed concerns over the fallout of the invasion. Islamabad would not take sides in these issues, multiple reports showed, citing diplomatic sources. 

Pakistan will likely come under pressure from western countries with whom it shares close economic ties. However, Khan’s government has been putting efforts in enhancing ties with Russia for its food and energy security. 

In a speech on Monday, Prime Minister Khan stressed that his visit to Russia was crucial, especially when the government has been looking to sign deals on the import of wheat and gas.

With growing tensions between the West and Russia, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said earlier that his country would not take part in the big power rivalry and will remain neutral. On the other hand, Pakistan relies heavily on access to markets in the EU and the US where its goods get preferential access.  

(SAM)