ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday evening telephoned Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed the prevailing security situation in South Asia following India’s provocative actions after the Pahalgam incident.
Tensions escalated sharply between Pakistan and India after the April 22 attack on tourists in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence, sparking a series of heated threats and diplomatic tit-for-tat measures.
Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s accusations.
Pakistan has repeatedly called for a neutral, independent and transparent investigation into the incident. However, India has yet to respond to Pakistan’s offer.
The UN Secretary-General briefed the Prime Minister on his outreach efforts for peace and stability in the region, and expressed his commitment to remain engaged with all interlocutors on the issue.
The Prime Minister appreciated the UN Secretary General’s continued engagement and outreach efforts and welcomed his call for de-escalation.
Reiterating his offer of an independent, transparent and credible investigation, the Prime Minister expressed concern that India is yet to provide any evidence, but it is continuing to resort to provocative rhetoric and war-mongering.
He reiterated Pakistan’s determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Prime Minister expressed his serious concern at Indian attempts to politicize international financial institutions in an attempt to harm Pakistan’s economic interests.
This was the second telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the UN Secretary-General within a week.
UN Chief urges India, Pakistan to exercise restraint
Earlier, in a press encounter in New York on India-Pakistan tension, the UN Secretary-General urged India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and avoid a military confrontation that could spin out of control.
Guterres said the raw feelings after the terror attack in Pahalgam are understandable, but those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means.
The UN Secretary-General said tension between the two countries is at its highest in years, but now is the time for stepping back from the brink of war.
Emphasizing that a military solution is no solution, the UN Secretary-General offered his good offices to both India and Pakistan in the service of peace.
He said the United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace.
Acknowledging the contributions of both Pakistan and India to the United Nations, Antonio Guterres said it is painful to see their relations reaching a boiling point.
Pakistan offers independent probe
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, shared Pakistan’s serious concerns over India’s provocative behaviour since the Pahalgam incident.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with Iran for peace, stability, and development in the region.
The Prime Minister categorically rejected any attempts to link Pakistan to the incident, without sharing any evidence.
He said Pakistan had offered that an international transparent, neutral and credible investigation be conducted to ascertain the facts behind the Pahalgam incident.
PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan had acted with maturity and responsibility, however, India had, on the other hand, created a media frenzy to divert the world’s attention away from the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which remained the root cause of instability in South Asia.
He also stressed that India’s weaponisation of the Indus Waters Treaty was unacceptable and a redline for the people of Pakistan.
UN Security Council to discuss Pakistan-India tensions
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold closed-door consultations on Monday to address rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
According to Business Standard, the meeting, scheduled for 3pm New York time by the Greek Presidency, was convened at Islamabad’s request.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced on May 4 that it would update the UN on regional developments following, including India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
In addition to the five permanent members with veto power — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — the 10 non-permanent members in the council are Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia.
Pakistan will inform the UN Security Council about India’s aggressive actions, provocations, and inflammatory statements. It will specifically highlight India’s illegal measures aimed at suspending the Indus Water Treaty.
Besides, Pakistan will make it clear that how India’s aggressive actions are endangering peace and security in South Asia and beyond.
This important diplomatic initiative is part of Pakistan’s efforts to present accurate facts to the international community.
