António Guterres says it is essential to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control A military solution is no solution: UN Secretary-General PM Shehbaz, UN chief discuss security situation in South Asia PM meets UK High Commissioner, rejects India’s attempt to link Pakistan to Pahalgam incident.
NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday called for “maximum restraint” from India and Pakistan, warning that escalating tensions over a recent deadly terror attack in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) risk spiralling into outright military confrontation.
Addressing journalists outside the Security Council at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr Guterres expressed deep concern over deteriorating relations between the two South Asian neighbours, saying they had reached “their highest in years.”
He reiterated his condemnation of the 22 April terror attack in the Pahalgam area of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which killed at least 26 civilians and injured many more.
“Targeting civilians is unacceptable – and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means,” Mr Guterres said. “It is also essential – especially at this critical hour – to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control.” India and Pakistan both administer parts of Kashmir but claim the territory in full. The Security Council is due to meet behind closed doors later on Monday to discuss the rising tensions between the two nations.
He offered his good offices to both governments to help defuse tensions and promote diplomacy, stressing that “a military solution is no solution.” “Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink,” he said. Mr Guterres also praised both countries for their long-standing contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and expressed hope that their shared history of cooperation could form the basis for renewed dialogue. “The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace,” he said.
Also, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres telephoned Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif this evening to discuss the prevailing security situation in South Asia.
The 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 PM 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.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday while rejecting India’s attempts to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident without providing any evidence, reiterated his offer for a transparent, credible and neutral international investigation into the incident and invited the UK to join it.
The prime minister received UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, at the Prime Minister House, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The prime minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on the prevailing situation in South Asia, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident.
He noted that with the support of friendly countries, including the UK, his Government’s foremost priority remained advancing economic growth and development of the country, and that Pakistan would never take any action that could imperil regional peace and security.
The prime minister urged the UK, which enjoyed good relations with both Pakistan and India, to play its part in de-escalating the situation.
The British high commissioner thanked the prime minister for sharing Pakistan’s position and said that the UK would work closely with Pakistan and India for maintaining regional peace and security.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reiterated that the entire nation stood united with the Armed Forces of Pakistan against any aggression from India, emphasizing that they were always ready to confront the enemy.
He was talking to a delegation of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari which met him here at the PM House.
The delegation included Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla.
PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that while Pakistan desired peace and stability in the region, it pos-sessed the capability to deliver a strong and effective response in defense of its sovereignty.
Described India’s provocative behavior following the Pahalgam incident as deeply regrettable, the prime minister noted that Pakistan not only expressed concern over the Pahalgam incident but also called for an impartial and independent investigation.
He firmly rejected India’s baseless attempts to link Pakistan to the incident without any evidence.
The prime minister criticized India’s unilateral and illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an act of “water aggression,” which was unacceptable as water represented a red-line for the people of Pakistan.
He further stated that Pakistan was actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to expose Indian aggression, and that he had met with ambassadors from several countries to present Pakistan’s perspective.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan will also raise this issue at the United Nations Security Council in order to expose India’s true face and its nefarious designs to the world.
PPP delegation, expressing unity on national defense, said that all political parties, including the Paki-stan People’s Party, stood united for the defense and security of Pakistan.
They reaffirmed their full support for Pakistan’s brave Armed Forces.
The delegation also appreciated the federal government’s diplomatic efforts to highlight India’s war-mongering intentions internationally.
As regards, preparation for the upcoming federal budget, the prime minister said that the government had initiated consultations with its largest coalition partner in this regard.
He emphasized that the government prioritized consultation in all matters.
The PPP delegation presented their proposals regarding the federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This meeting marked the first round of discussions, and the government’s designated commit-tee will continue consultations with the PPP.
The PPP delegation expressed full confidence in the government’s reforms in the energy sector.
The meeting also discussed transfer of electricity distribution companies to provincial governments. It was decided that within two months, the distribution companies will be handed over to the provinces.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Mu-hammad Aurangzeb, Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Advisor to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Dr. Tauqir Shah, Minister of State Abdul Rehman Kanju, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Talha Burki were also present in the meeting.
