ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s position on Russian invasion of Ukraine was aimed at safeguarding the South Asian nation's interests and it would not be a part of "bloc politics," the Pakistani foreign office said on Friday. 

Islamabad has found itself in a precarious situation since the beginning of the Russian invasion as President Vladimir Putin ordered his forces to attack Ukraine the day Prime Minister Imran Khan was visiting Moscow on February 24. 

Pakistan is also one of the few countries in the world that have not condemned Russia for invading Ukraine. 

“We have emphasized that Pakistan’s position on the issue was driven by the imperative of protecting the country’s vital interests,” Foreign Office spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said at a weekly press briefing on Friday. 

"Pakistan has taken a principled decision not to be part of bloc politics." 

Iftikhar said Islamabad had underlined it would only be a partner in peace, not in conflict. 

“Pakistan has also consistently emphasized the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, including self-determination of peoples, non-use or threat of use of force, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, pacific settlement of disputes and equal security for all,” he said. 

The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan remained deeply concerned over the continuing military conflict. 

“We are calling for immediate cessation of hostilities, establishment of humanitarian corridors and provision of humanitarian assistance, and continuation of talks between Ukraine and Russia and persistent efforts for a diplomatic solution,” the statement read. 

“We have engaged both Ukraine and Russia, the neighboring countries, key partners in Europe and others, and are willing to make all possible contribution to reinforce efforts for a diplomatic solution.” 

This week Pakistan dispatched a consignment of humanitarian aid to Ukraine as Russian forces continued to press in on Kyiv, amid one of the worst refugee crises in Europe since the World War II. 

Since Russia's invasion of its pro-Western neighbor, more than three million have fled to neighboring countries.

Center for Global Development (CGDEV) said on Friday that massive price spikes for food and energy sparked by Russia's invasion will push over 40 million people into extreme poverty.