Pakistan declined Switzerland’s invitation to the Ukraine summit, citing scheduling conflicts and other concerns.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated during the weekly media briefing on Thursday that while Pakistan received an invitation for the June 15-16 conference, multiple factors prevented its participation.

The two-day ukraine summit, held at the Bürgenstock resort near Lucerne, Switzerland, aims to garner international support for Ukraine’s peace vision, as outlined in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s 10-point peace plan.

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Although 160 countries were invited, only about 90 are attending, with notable absences including China and several key Global South nations. Moscow’s absence is anticipated to limit the summit’s outcomes.

Islamabad’s decision to abstain is a diplomatic effort to remain neutral, particularly since Russia is not participating. While Pakistan has historically maintained good relations with Ukraine, purchasing weapons systems, it has recently been strengthening ties with Russia.

The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and emphasized the need for diplomacy and dialogue to achieve a negotiated end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He also affirmed Pakistan’s support for the consistent application of UN Charter principles, including non-use of force, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution.

In a separate matter, Baloch dismissed Delhi’s accusations of Pakistan’s involvement in recent violence in Indian-administered Kashmir. He criticized the Indian authorities and media for making such unfounded statements, which he deemed not worth commenting on. The police in Indian-administered Kashmir alleged that Pakistan planned attacks that have killed 12 and injured dozens over the past three days.