The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has called on Pakistan and India to “exercise maximum restraint” after heightened tensions emerged following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam region. The tourist hub witnessed a tragic incident in which gunmen killed 26 individuals and injured 17 others, sparking diplomatic retaliation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Speaking in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation. He urged both nations to prevent the crisis from escalating further. “The Secretary General is monitoring the developments very closely, and we are appealing to both governments to avoid actions that exacerbate the already tense situation,” Dujarric said.
Read more: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty: What it means for Pakistan?
He further clarified that Guterres had not directly communicated with the leadership of either country but emphasized that disputes should be resolved through peaceful dialogue and mutual engagement.
India’s unilateral decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty was among its measures following the attack. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has stood as a pillar of water resource-sharing between the two nations despite decades of conflict. UN officials urged avoiding actions escalating tensions, such as this treaty suspension.
Pakistan retaliated with several steps, including the closure of its airspace to Indian traffic and the suspension of trade. A high-level National Security Committee meeting, convened by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also resolved to suspend key bilateral agreements with India unless provocations cease. Authorities reported cross-border incidents along the Line of Control (LoC) but confirmed no harm to civilian populations.
The U.S. State Department commented on the crisis, stating that while it is closely monitoring the situation, the U.S. does not currently take a position on the disputed regions of Kashmir or Jammu.
The global appeal for de-escalation comes as both nations grapple with the aftermath of the attack in an increasingly fragile geopolitical environment
