- Delegations from 50 countries expected to attend summit to be held on June 15/16
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is likely to skip the Ukraine Peace Summit to be held in Switzerland on June 15 and 16 as part of its efforts to maintain “neutrality.”
Countries from the so-called Global South, including Pakistan have been invited to the summit while Russia, a key player in the conflict has not been extended an invitation.
Delegations from as many as 50 countries are expected to attend the upcoming Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland, with the neutral Swiss government aiming for a broad-based turnout, including from the Global South.
It is the first time Islamabad has been extended an invitation to such an international conference on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
At the weekly briefing last week, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch had confirmed that Pakistan was invited to the summit, saying the invitation was under consideration.
According to diplomatic source, the summit faces a significant hurdle: the absence of Russia, a key player in the conflict. This absence, along with ongoing diplomatic pressure from Western powers, has put Pakistan in a delicate position, leaving its attendance uncertain, he added.
He, however, said that Pakistan was likely to skip the peace summit as part of its efforts to maintain “neutrality.”
Pakistan’s Balancing Act:
Pakistan has adopted a carefully crafted policy of neutrality throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict, refusing to condemn the Russian invasion while also offering humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. This stance reflects Pakistan’s desire to maintain good relations with both Russia and the West, particularly in light of its strategic partnership with China, a close ally of Russia.
However, the West has reportedly pressured Pakistan to take a more pro-Ukraine stance, and the absence of Russia at the summit further complicates matters. China’s decision to skip the summit, citing Russia’s absence, adds another layer of complexity, as Pakistan often takes cues from Beijing on key international issues.
A History of Diplomatic Tightrope Walking:
Pakistan’s dilemma is rooted in its long-standing balancing act between the East and West. The former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow during the invasion, which contributed to his ouster, underscored the sensitivity surrounding Pakistan’s ties with Russia.
Global South Participation Key:
The summit organizers, led by the Swiss government, are actively seeking participation from the Global South to foster a wider dialogue on peace in Ukraine. Countries from South America, Africa, and the Middle East have confirmed their attendance, but the final list of attendees is likely to be fluid until the last minute.
The Uncertain Future:
While the summit aims to pave the way for a peace process, its effectiveness remains unclear without Russia’s participation. Pakistan’s decision on whether to attend will likely be influenced by a combination of factors: its commitment to neutrality, pressure from Western powers, and China’s stance. The outcome of the summit and its potential impact on the conflict will be closely watched by the international community.
