Pakistan’s government has found itself in a precarious diplomatic situation, caught between its growing relationship with the US and its support for neighboring Iran. The country nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize on Saturday, praising his “decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership” in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India.
However, just 24 hours later, the US launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Pakistan to condemn the attacks as a violation of international law.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed grave concern over the rising tensions and urged all parties to refrain from further aggression. “These attacks violate all norms of international law. Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter,” the statement read. The country’s ambassador to the US, Maleeha Lodhi, criticized the government’s decision, saying “ingratiation cannot serve as a policy”.
The sudden about-turn has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many labeling the situation as “awkward” and “embarrassing”. Mushaheed Hussain, former chair of the Senate Defence Committee, initially supported the nomination, but later called for Pakistan to “revise, revoke and rescind” the submission, accusing Trump of being a “warmonger”.
The international community has also reacted strongly to the US strikes. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a “dangerous escalation” in the region, posing a direct threat to international peace and security. “There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” he said, urging member states to de-escalate and uphold their obligations under the UN Charter.
Other world leaders have also expressed concern, with China’s foreign ministry stating that the US action “seriously violates the United Nations Charter and worsens tensions in the Middle East”. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, urged “all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” emphasizing that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
In the midst of this escalating conflict, Pakistan’s tightrope is indeed getting thinner. The country’s government must navigate its relationships with the US and Iran carefully, balancing its diplomatic efforts to avoid further destabilization in the region.