United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, warning against any military confrontation that could “easily spin out of control.” His remarks come just hours before a closed-door UN Security Council consultation requested by Islamabad, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly civilians.
“Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years. A military solution is no solution,” Guterres stated, urging both sides to exercise “maximum restraint” and avoid further provocation. He also reiterated the UN’s readiness to support any diplomatic initiative that fosters peace and de-escalation.
Guterres condemned the Pahalgam attack in strong terms, calling the targeting of civilians “unacceptable,” and emphasized that the perpetrators must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means. “Now is the time for stepping back from the brink,” he added.
India has responded firmly to the attack, announcing a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari land border, and downgrading diplomatic ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India would take “firm and decisive” action and has granted the armed forces complete operational freedom to choose the mode and timing of their response.
In advance of the UN meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with all members of the UN Security Council, except China and Pakistan, to rally support for India’s stance, emphasizing the need to hold the attackers and their backers accountable.
Pakistan, which is currently a non-permanent member of the Security Council, called for the emergency consultation, arguing that the post-attack situation poses a threat to both regional and global peace. The meeting, scheduled under Greece’s May presidency of the Council, is being held in a closed consultations room rather than the formal UNSC chamber.
Guterres has also been in direct contact with both Indian and Pakistani leadership in recent days, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.
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