Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan on Friday urged all parties to exercise 'maximum restraint' after tension between Iran and the United States (US) aggravated following the killing of a top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad.
In a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) Sokesperson said "Pakistan has viewed with deep concern the recent developments in the Middle East, which seriously threaten peace and stability in the region".
The statement added that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, which should be adhered to.
"It is also important to avoid unilateral actions and use of force," the statement said.
The FO spokesperson urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, engage constructively to de-escalate the situation, and resolve issues through diplomatic means, in accordance with UN Charter and international law.
Earlier on Friday, Maj Gen Soleimani was killed in a US strike on Baghdad's international airport.
The commander, Maj Gen Qassim Suleimani, and several officials from Iraqi militias backed by Tehran were killed when an American MQ-9 Reaper drone fired missiles into a convoy that was leaving the airport.
Declaring three days of mourning across the country, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to take "severe revenge" for Soleimani´s death.
The Pentagon said US President Donald Trump ordered Soleimani's "killing," after a pro-Iran mob this week laid siege to the US embassy.
Regional analysts said Iran’s leaders were likely to treat General Suleimani's killing as an act of war. United States officials were braced for potential Iranian retaliatory attacks, possibly including cyberattacks and terrorism, on American interests and allies.