KEY POINTS
- PM Shehbaz reiterates Pakistan’s call for a neutral and transparent investigation into the Pahalgam incident
- He warned that India’s provocative actions risk regional peace and undermine counter-terrorism efforts
- Pakistan expressed concern over Indian moves to weaponise water
- PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terror
- He said Pakistan sacrificed 90,000 lives and incurred $152bn in damages in global war against terror
- Shehbaz Sharif urged the US to play its role in restraining India from making provocative statements
- PM Shehbaz stressed the need for peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute
- Secretary Rubio expressed the United States’ desire to work with Pakistan for peace and stability in South Asia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a telephonic conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, reiterated his call for a neutral and independent probe into the Pahalgam incident, stressing that unfounded Indian allegations without evidence only escalate tensions in the region.
In their telephonic conversation, held in the wake of rising tensions between Pakistan and India following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Secretary Rubio underscored the United States’ commitment to peace and stability in South Asia and called for restraint to avoid further escalation.
Tensions escalated between Pakistan and India after gunmen attacked local tourists in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), killing 26 people and injuring 17.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
Pakistan also offered a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam attack. However, New Delhi has yet to respond to Pakistan’s offer.
According to a statement from the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz and Secretary Rubio exchanged views on the evolving situation in South Asia.
During the conversation, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes for US President Donald Trump and expressed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen its partnership with the United States in all areas of mutual interest.
PM Shehbaz briefed Secretary Rubio on Pakistan’s perspective regarding the regional situation that has emerged following the Pahalgam incident.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and highlighted the country’s key role in the global fight against terrorism.
While condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s leading role in the war on terror and its sacrifice of over 90,000 lives and over $152 billion in economic losses,” the PM Office statement read.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over India’s provocative behaviour, calling it regrettable and alarming.
He said such actions divert attention from Pakistan’s genuine efforts to combat terrorism, especially against groups operating from Afghan soil such as ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP), Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
PM Shehbaz categorically rejected India’s attempts to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident and reiterated the demand for a transparent, impartial, and credible investigation.
Shehbaz Sharif urged the United States to play its role in restraining India from making provocative statements.
The Prime Minister also voiced serious concerns over India’s move to use water as a weapon, stressing that the Indus Waters Treaty does not permit unilateral withdrawal by any party.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is the only path to lasting peace in South Asia.
On the topic of bilateral relations, Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan and the United States have worked together for over 70 years and can continue to progress in areas such as counterterrorism, economic cooperation, and mineral development.
He highlighted the significant economic reforms undertaken by Pakistan over the past year and said the country is now on the path to recovery.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked the Prime Minister for the detailed exchange and expressed the United States’ desire to work with Pakistan for peace and stability in South Asia.
Earlier, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters during a press briefing that Secretary Rubio will speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India to urge restraint and avoid further escalation.
“We are reaching out to both parties, and telling, of course, them to not escalate the situation,” the US State Department spokesperson said.
“We are watching the situation closely and remain in direct contact with both governments.”
“Secretary Rubio believes diplomacy must take the lead,” the spokesperson added, noting that he has also encouraged “other foreign ministers around the world to do the same” and support efforts to maintain regional stability.
The diplomatic initiative comes as bilateral relations between Pakistan and India deteriorate following the Pahalgam incident.
India has attempted to link Pakistan to the attack without providing verifiable evidence. Pakistan has firmly denied the allegations and has offered to participate in a neutral and transparent international investigation.
UN chief urges Pakistan, India to avoid confrontation
Earlier on Tuesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace in South Asia and said that the world could not afford any escalation in the region at a crucial time.
Guterres stressed the need for justice and accountability to be pursued strictly through lawful and transparent means, underlining the importance of preventing any further escalation.
Expressing grave concern over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the UN Secretary-General emphasised the urgency of avoiding a confrontation that could have dire consequences for the region and beyond.
Recalling the UN’s long-standing commitment to regional peace and stability, he offered his Good Offices to support de-escalation efforts and encouraged both parties to exercise maximum restraint in the interest of regional and global peace.
China urges restraint
Earlier, China urged both India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint” and “properly handle relevant differences through dialogue and consultation,” according to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
Guo reaffirmed China’s support for a fair investigation into the Pahalgam attack and stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence for regional stability.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reiterated Beijing’s consistent support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and its legitimate security concerns.
Saudi Arabia voices concern over South Asia tensions
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday expressed concern over the heightened tensions between Pakistan and India after the Pahalgam incident.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its concern regarding the escalating tension between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” the ministry said in a statement on X.
The Kingdom urged both nations to de-escalate, avoid further escalation, and resolve their disagreements through diplomatic channels.
The ministry asked the two countries to uphold the principles of good neighbourliness and strive for stability and peace for the welfare of their people and region.
