In response to North Korea’s recent ballistic missile launch on Monday, Pakistan has expressed significant concern, emphasizing the need for diplomatic dialogue to alleviate rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. This missile test coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Seoul, where he met with South Korea’s Acting President, Choi Sang-mok.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, addressed the UN Security Council, advocating for the resumption of talks between the relevant parties to prevent further escalation. North Korea described the missile as a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile (IRBM) equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle. Akram condemned the missile test, stating that such actions harm both regional and global peace and security.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and called for the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions and global disarmament initiatives. The country also voiced opposition to any further nuclear tests or missile provocations, stressing the need to end coercive actions and threats in the region.
Akram remarked, “Provocations such as missile tests and threats must end,” adding that Pakistan opposes any further nuclear weapons testing, whether in Korea or elsewhere. The South Korean military confirmed detecting a missile launch, which they believe was an intermediate-range ballistic missile. UN officials warned that North Korea’s missile activities continue to undermine global non-proliferation efforts.
Khaled Khiari, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, pointed out that while the missile launch did not directly threaten neighboring countries, North Korea failed to provide the necessary safety notifications for airspace and maritime boundaries. In defense of the missile test, North Korea’s Ambassador to the UN, Song Kim, stated that it was a vital step to bolster the country’s defense capabilities. He also warned that any conflict on the Peninsula would be a result of “reckless actions” by the U.S. and South Korea, urging the UN Security Council not to criminalize North Koreaβs actions and highlighting what he perceived as a double standard in international law enforcement.
