Pakistan, Aug. 8 -- Amid an escalating political and security crisis in South Sudan, Pakistan has called for recommitment to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, stressing that successfully completing the country's democratic transition hinges on holding fair elections.

"Elections remain an important element in bringing the transition to a legitimate conclusion," Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the UN Security Council on Thursday, noting that the political, legal, security and financial requirements necessary to hold them remain outstanding.

"These gaps need to be filled," he stressed.

At the same time, the Pakistani envoy voiced serious concerns regarding the deteriorating political ten...