Pakistan official calls for 'immediate cessation' of ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine

• A Pakistan official called for the "immediate cessation" of conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
• Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa made the comments during a speech on Saturday.

A Pakistan official called for "immediate cessation" of the war between Russia and Ukraine, CNN reported.

During a speech on Saturday, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa said Russia's invasion, which has left thousands dead, is "very unfortunate" and a "huge tragedy," according to the report.

"Pakistan doesn't believe in camp politics and wants excellent relations with all countries, especially the United States, the European Union, China, Russia, and others," Bajwa said, CNN reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a war on Ukraine in late February, causing millions to flee to neighboring countries. His move was met with a wave of international condemnation.

Bajwa's comments come as Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan previously did not publicly denounce Putin's actions following pressure from the West, The Hill reported.

"What do you think of us? Are we your slaves ... that whatever you say, we will do?" Khan said in response to a letter calling for Pakistan to back a resolution to condemn Moscow's attack last month, the outlet reported.

However, Pakistan sent emergency aid to Ukraine after the request from the country's embassy in Islamabad, according to reports.