Concerned over the political turmoil in Pakistan, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the country's leaders to engage in "honest dialogue" to resolve their differences.

"The Secretary-General is concerned about the current political and security situation in Pakistan," UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

"Pakistan's leaders, whether in power or in the opposition, have the responsibility first and foremost to ensure the safety and security of the Pakistani people. Any action that they undertake should bear this in mind," he said.

Haq said "Ban calls upon Pakistan's leaders to solve all their differences through honest dialogue to be able to deal with the multitude of challenges the country and the region face."

Ban's statement came as the top UN officials were keeping a close watch on the situation in Pakistan.