Mumtaz Hussain
NEW YORK: UN Secretary General António Guterres has called for “maximum restraint” from both India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left at least 26 civilians dead and many more injured.
Speaking to reporters outside the Security Council on Monday, Guterres expressed deep concern over the deteriorating relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, warning that the situation has reached its most dangerous level in years.
“Targeting civilians is unacceptable – and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means,” he said, referring to the 22 April attack in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir.
Guterres emphasized that any military escalation could quickly spiral out of control, stating, “It is essential – especially at this critical hour – to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control.”
India and Pakistan both claim the region of Kashmir in full but administer separate parts of it, and tensions in the area have frequently led to conflict in the past.
The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet behind closed doors later on Monday to discuss the mounting tensions.
Offering the UN’s support to promote dialogue, Guterres stressed, “A military solution is no solution. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink.”
He also praised both nations for their historic contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, expressing hope that their shared legacy of cooperation could serve as a foundation for renewed diplomacy.
“The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace,” Guterres added.
Comments are closed.