Islamabad, 6 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a Pakistan-initiated presidential statement urging countries to maintain diplomatic engagement even after armed conflicts erupt, emphasising the importance of ceasefires, de-escalation and lasting political solutions. Titled “The Role of Diplomacy during Active Hostilities”, the statement underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts in protecting civilians, containing violence, preventing conflicts from spreading and ensuring humanitarian assistance during armed confrontations. It calls on countries to utilise mediation, good offices and direct or indirect communication between conflicting parties to reduce tensions and create opportunities for negotiations, even while military operations continue. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, welcomed the adoption, describing it as a significant contribution to international efforts aimed at resolving conflicts peacefully. Speaking to the media after the adoption, he said the message of the statement was clear: diplomacy must not end when hostilities begin; rather, it becomes even more essential. The statement was adopted under the November presidency of Latvia’s Ambassador Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, who is currently chairing the Security Council. Pakistan’s initiative builds on UNSC Resolution 2788, unanimously adopted during Pakistan’s presidency of the Council in July 2025, which reaffirmed the importance of peacefully resolving international disputes in accordance with the UN Charter. While the earlier resolution focused on the peaceful settlement of disputes, the latest statement specifically addresses the need to sustain diplomatic engagement after armed confrontations begin, when communication between opposing sides often breaks down and the risk of escalation increases. The Council stressed the importance of keeping communication channels open, either directly or through intermediaries, to prevent miscalculations, ease tensions and facilitate political negotiations. It identified key objectives of diplomacy during active hostilities, including securing ceasefires, ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access, protecting civilians and preventing conflicts from escalating into regional or international confrontations. The statement also emphasised that diplomatic efforts must continue even after a ceasefire is achieved to secure a durable political settlement. Furthermore, it encouraged individual UN member states to undertake mediation and diplomatic initiatives to ease tensions and help transform armed confrontations into peaceful resolutions. The Council also recognised the contribution of regional and subregional organisations to conflict resolution, welcoming efforts to strengthen their mediation capacities and encouraging closer cooperation with the United Nations. It highlighted the role of the UN secretary-general, his representatives, special envoys and mediators in promoting dialogue and facilitating peaceful settlements before and during armed conflicts. Reaffirming the importance of international law, the statement stressed that all diplomatic initiatives must remain consistent with the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions. It also acknowledged the role of other UN bodies, including the International Court of Justice, in peacefully resolving disputes in cases where states have accepted its jurisdiction. Ambassador Haider Shah said the adoption brought together the Security Council’s experience in addressing individual conflicts under a common framework, providing an important political reference point for diplomatic initiatives in ongoing and future conflicts. He added that the initiative reflected Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. The Security Council also called on the UN secretary-general to continue promoting diplomacy, mediation and peaceful dispute resolution and to keep the Council informed, as appropriate, about related initiatives.