OTTAWA: The Group of Seven (G7) nations has urged India and Pakistan to show restraint and immediately de-escalate tensions amid rising security concerns.
In a joint statement, the G7 countries appealed to both nuclear-armed neighbours to initiate a dialogue and return to the path of peace.
“We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan.”
“Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides,” it warned
“We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome. We continue to monitor events closely and express our support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Military Spokesperson in a late-night briefing stated that the majority of the missiles fired at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases have been successfully intercepted by the alert air defense systems of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said few missiles that managed to breach the defenses did not cause any damage to the PAF’s flying assets, according to initial damage assessment reports.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the air defence system, highlighting that it had successfully thwarted India’s objectives.
Furthermore, he disclosed that shortly after the missile and drone attacks on Afghanistan, India launched missiles within its own territory, specifically targeting Indian Punjab. He described these actions as part of a larger, sinister plan to destabilise the region and beyond.
He also revealed that the PAF had gathered electronic signatures of all these missiles, including details on their point of origin and intended targets.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry reassured the people of Pakistan, emphasising that the armed forces remain vigilant and are successfully neutralising these acts of aggression. He criticised India for its blatant acts of aggression, attributing them to growing paranoia in the Indian mindset, which, according to General Chaudhry, intensifies with each failed attempt to undermine Pakistan’s resolve.
