Pakistan speaker condemns Israeli strikes on Iran, voices concern over regional tensions

Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq (2L) gestures during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Dr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (3R), on the sidelines of the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, in Geneva on July 31, 2025. (Handout/ National Assembly)
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Updated 31 July 2025
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Pakistan speaker condemns Israeli strikes on Iran, voices concern over regional tensions

  • Ayaz Sadiq praises Tehran’s ‘measured response,’ reaffirms support for Iran’s sovereignty
  • He also calls for peaceful resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue through dialogue, cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, according to an official statement on Thursday, expressing concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The condemnation came during a meeting in Geneva between Sadiq and his Iranian counterpart, Dr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on the sidelines of the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, held from July 29-31.

Sadiq emphasized the deep ties between Pakistan and Iran, reiterating his country’s “unwavering support” for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“As neighbors and friends, the two countries are linked through shared aspirations of peace, stability and prosperity,” he said, according to a statement circulated by the National Assembly, adding Pakistan firmly condemned “unprovoked Israeli aggression against Iran.”

He praised Iran’s “measured response” and reiterated Pakistan’s preference for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and multilateral engagement.




Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq (left) gestures during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Dr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on the sidelines of the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, in Geneva on July 31, 2025. (Handout/ National Assembly)

The meeting coincided with a broader backdrop of rising hostilities between Iran and Israel.

On June 13, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a surprise military offensive targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, including sites in Tehran, Natanz and Isfahan.

Iranian military officials, including top nuclear scientists and Revolutionary Guards commanders, were killed in the attack.

Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks, causing massive damage to various neighborhoods in Tel Aviv and other areas. The conflict lasted approximately 12 days before a ceasefire was agreed upon on June 24 amid a number of casualties on both sides.

Sadiq also noted the importance of reinforcing legislative cooperation through the Pak‑Iran Parliamentary Friendship Groups and sought to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.


UN torture expert decries Pakistan ex-PM Khan’s detention

Updated 12 December 2025
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UN torture expert decries Pakistan ex-PM Khan’s detention

  • Khan’s party alleges government is holding him in solitary confinement, barring prison visits
  • Pakistan’s government rejects allegations former premier is being denied basic rights in prison

GENEVA: Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan is being held in conditions that could amount to torture and other inhuman or degrading treatment, the United Nations’ special rapporteur on torture warned Friday.

Alice Jill Edwards urged Pakistan to take immediate and effective action to address reports of the 73-year-old’s inhumane and undignified detention conditions.

“I call on Pakistani authorities to ensure that Khan’s conditions of detention fully comply with international norms and standards,” Edwards said in a statement.

“Since his transfer to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on September 26, 2023, Imran Khan has reportedly been held for excessive periods in solitary confinement, confined for 23 hours a day in his cell, and with highly restricted access to the outside world,” she said.

“His cell is reportedly under constant camera surveillance.”

Khan an all-rounder who captained Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, upended Pakistani politics by becoming the prime minister in 2018.

Edwards said prolonged or indefinite solitary confinement is prohibited under international human rights law and constitutes a form of psychological torture when it lasts longer than 15 days.

“Khan’s solitary confinement should be lifted without delay. Not only is it an unlawful measure, extended isolation can bring about very harmful consequences for his physical and mental health,” she said.

UN special rapporteurs are independent experts mandated by the Human Rights Council. They do not, therefore, speak for the United Nations itself.

Initially a strong backer of the country’s powerful military leadership, Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in 2022, and has since been jailed on a slew of corruption charges that he denies.

He has accused the military of orchestrating his downfall and pursuing his Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and its allies.

Khan’s supporters say he is being denied prison visits from lawyers and family after a fiery social media post this month accusing army leader Field Marshal Asim Munir of persecuting him.

According to information Edwards has received, visits from Khan’s lawyers and relatives are frequently interrupted or ended prematurely, while he is held in a small cell lacking natural light and adequate ventilation.

“Anyone deprived of liberty must be treated with humanity and dignity,” the UN expert said.

“Detention conditions must reflect the individual’s age and health situation, including appropriate sleeping arrangements, climatic protection, adequate space, lighting, heating, and ventilation.”

Edwards has raised Khan’s situation with the Pakistani government.