Pakistani premier, Ukrainian president discuss ongoing military conflict

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday called Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the war with Russia, the latter's office said in a statement.

According to the readout, Khan expressed "deep regret" over the ongoing military conflict, and reiterated Pakistan's principled position to support immediate cessation of hostilities and resolution of the conflict through "dialogue and diplomacy."

Khan said he has been persistently highlighting the "adverse economic impact of the conflict on the developing countries," such as rising prices of oil and commodities.

He also briefed President Zelenskyy on the recent conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad, saying it expressed deep concern at the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation arising from the conflict in Ukraine.

The OIC member states expressed willingness "to support and facilitate the dialogue process” between Moscow and Kyiv, Khan said.

The prime minister said Islamabad has sent two C-130 airplanes with humanitarian relief assistance for the people of the war-torn country.

Khan also thanked Zelenskyy for the support provided by his government in the evacuation of Pakistani students, nationals and embassy staff.

Regarding the talk, Zelenskyy tweeted: “Had a phone conversation with Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI Spoke about our struggle against Russian aggression. The people of Ukraine seek peace. This is our unconditional priority."

Russia sent troops into Ukraine in what it called a “special military operation” on Feb. 24.

The West reacted with fury and slapped Moscow with unprecedented sanctions over the war, which has led to an exodus of millions of people seeking safety in other European countries.