Guterres calls Shehbaz, offers mediation: Don’t be an observer, play active role to ease tensions, Pakistan tells UN

NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called upon the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to actively remain engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate rising tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi amid sabre-rattling by India over the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

In a media briefing after a UNSC session convened at Pakistan’s request to discuss the prevailing tensions in South Asia in the wake of the terror attack in occupied Kashmir, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, emphasized that the UNSC and the secretary general should not act as only observers and should play an active role to bring down tensions between India and Pakistan.

He believed that Pakistan had achieved its objectives at the UNSC meeting. He noted that his country came to the session with a pace message and highlighted the need for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, which needed to be resolved despite the passage of over 70 years.

Ambassador Iftikhar said that during the UNSC session, Pakistan expressed grave concern over Indian measures and inflammatory public statements which India had been making since April 23 to escalate tensions in the region.

He said Pakistan, which itself a victim of terrorism, rejected India’s false allegations of its involvement in the Pahalgam incident and reiterated is offer for a transparent and credible investigation. Ambassador Iftikhar said several UNSC members recognised the need for peaceful resolution of all issues, including Kashmir. He added that sustainability requires adherence to international law, and peace demands responsibility and respect for rules that govern our world.

He made it clear that Pakistan does not seek confrontation and is fully prepared to defend its territory. We categorically reject the April 22 incident and Indian claim, which is unverified, he said.

He further alleged that India wants to divert attention from repression and human rights violations in occupied Kashmir. He said Pakistan also raised alarm over the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, as these rivers sustain over 240 million Pakistanis and allowing such a precedent would permanently endanger low riparian states.

Ambassador Iftikhar said his country also called out India’s weaponization of disinformation and told the UNSC meeting that India itself was involved in global terrorism.

ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India — sparked by New Delhi’s baseless accusation against Islamabad over the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) — global powers have stepped in to defuse the situation.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres Monday called for “maximum restraint” from India and Pakistan, warning that escalating tensions risk spiralling into outright military confrontation.

Addressing journalists outside the Security Council at UN Headquarters in New York, he 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 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,” Guterres said. 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. 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.

Separately, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday to discuss the prevailing security situation in South Asia. This was the second telephonic conversation between the two leaders within a week in the wake of stand-off between Pakistan and India following Pehlgam incident.

The PM appreciated the UN Secretary General’s continued engagement and outreach efforts and welcomed his call for de-escalation as well as the need to avoid any confrontation.

While reiterating his offer of an independent transparent, neutral and credible investigation, the PM expressed his concern that India was yet to provide any evidence, nevertheless it continued to resort to provocative rhetoric and war mongering.

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.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif also shared Pakistan’s perspective on the prevailing situation in South Asia with Ms Jane Marriott, UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House.

While rejecting India’s attempts to link Pakistan to the incident without providing any evidence, the PM reiterated his offer for a transparent, credible and neutral international investigation into the incident and invited the UK to join it.

The PM 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 PM 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 PM for sharing Pakistan’s position and said that the UK would work closely with Pakistan and India for maintaining regional peace and security.

Separately, the Kremlin said on Monday that it was following with great concern the tense atmosphere at the India-Pakistan border in Kashmir. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia highly values its relations with both New Delhi and Islamabad.

Separately, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong called on President Asif Ali Zardari, discussed India-Pakistan situation and reaffirmed the enduring and time-tested friendship between his country and Pakistan, describing the relationship as ‘ironclad brothers’, who have always supported each other in challenging times.

President conveyed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Chinese government for its consistent support, which has always stood by Pakistan in difficult times. He expressed concern over the recent irresponsible and aggressive rhetoric by the Indian government, saying that such actions threaten regional peace and stability.

The ambassador thanked President Zardari for sharing Pakistan’s perspective, and emphasised that China would always support Pakistan to achieve the common desire of both countries to secure peace and stability in South Asia.

Also, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi called on President Asif Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday to discuss matters of bilateral and mutual interest, regional security situation, particularly the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam incident.

Araghchi said he was undertaking the visit on the instructions of Supreme Leader Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, and the President Masoud Pezeshkian. He expressed understanding of Pakistan’s position on the current situation and called for restraint by both sides to de-escalate the tensions.

The FM stated that Iran attached importance to its relations with Pakistan and was desirous of further strengthening bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries. He also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and assured of working in coordination with Pakistan on all regional matters.

The President thanked the Iranian Foreign Minister for undertaking the visit to Pakistan at a critical juncture. Also, FM Araghchi called on PM Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Monday.

At the outset of meeting at PM House, the PM expressed his sincere condolences to the Iranian side over the tragic explosion in Bandar Abbas that had led to the loss of precious lives and injured hundreds of people.

While stating that Pakistan had acted with maturity and responsibility, the PM said 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 weaponization of the Indus Waters Treaty was unacceptable and a redline for the people of Pakistan.

FM Araghchi conveyed warm greetings from the Iranian leadership to the PM and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Pakistan and also playing its part in bringing peace and stability in South Asia. He also reiterated President Pezeshkian’s invitation to the Prime Minister, to undertake an official visit to Tehran during this year.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Monday reiterated that Pakistan would welcome any international transparent and independent probe into the Pahalgam incident.

Talking to the media along with visiting Foreign Minister of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi, he asserted that Pakistan had nothing to do with the incident of Pahalgam.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had made a public offer that Pakistan would welcome any international transparent and independent probe into the incident of Pahalgam to establish the facts. So, our offer is very much there,” he added.

The DPM/FM also expressed his gratitude to the Iranian foreign minister for visiting Pakistan. He said the region and the world were facing lot of challenges.

Abbas Araghchi said his talks with the DPM/FM Dar were focused on the regional issues, Pak-India relations and Iran-US talks.

FM Abbas Araghchi also met Army Chief General Asim Munir at GHQ in Rawalpindi. The meeting featured constructive discussions on the geo-strategic environment, with particular focus on challenges confronted by both countries in the domain of security, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said.

The Pak-Iran border security mechanism was also reviewed as part of efforts to enhance bilateral coordination. The COAS reaffirmed that Pakistan and Iran are brotherly neighbours, bound by deep-rooted ties of shared history, culture, and religion.

Both sides agreed to stay engaged for enhanced bilateral cooperation while jointly working to assist in bringing positive developments in issues concerning the region.

The Iranian FM acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region. Meanwhile, the Organiration of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group in New York expressed its deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in South Asia, exacerbated by India’s unfounded allegations against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which are inflaming tensions in an already volatile region.

The OIC Group reiterated its principled position against, and condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomsoever and wherever, and reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of all attempts to associate any country, race, religion, culture or nationality with terrorism.

Recalling the decisions and declarations of the Islamic Summits and the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), particularly the resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, the Group underscores that the unresolved dispute remains the core issue affecting peace and security in South Asia. The people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to be denied their inalienable right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

The group commended Pakistan’s consistent demonstration of restraint and its commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. The OIC appreciated Pakistan’s position that it did not seek any escalation and remains open to diplomatic engagement anchored in mutual respect and the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

On the other hand, Pakistan Monday conducted a successful training launch of a Fatah Series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometres as part of the ongoing Exercise Indus.

The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced accuracy, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The training launch was witnessed by senior officers of Pakistan Army, as well as officers, scientists and engineers from Pakistan’s strategic organisations. President, prime minister, chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the chief of army staff extended congratulations to the participating troops, scientists, and engineers. They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of Pakistan Army to thwart any aggression against the territorial integrity of Pakistan.

Senate chairman, National Assembly speaker, interior minister and others also congratulated the nation, armed forces and scientists over successful training launch of Fatah series surface-to-surface missile.

On May 3, Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System — a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres as part of Exercise Indus. Meanwhile, the National Assembly Monday adopted a unanimous resolution, emphasising that the people of Pakistan remain committed to peace, but would never allow anyone to transgress the country’s sovereignty, security and interest.

The resolution, moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, maintained that Pakistan remains fully capable and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any aggression including war, terrorism or military provocation as clearly demonstrated by its robust and valiant response to India’s reckless action in February 2019.

It further warned that any misadventure by India will be met with a firm, swift and decisive response. The House warned that Pakistan remains fully capable and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any aggression including water terrorism or military provocation as clearly demonstrated by its robust and valiant response to India’s reckless action in February 2019.

The resolution said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasised that killing of innocent civilians is contrary to the values upheld by Pakistan. The House rejected all frivolous and baseless attempts to link Pakistan with the Pahalgam attack on April 22 in IIOJK.

The House also condemned the orchestrated and mala fide campaign by the Indian government to malign Pakistan which follows a familiar pattern of exploiting the issue of terrorism for a narrow political goal.

The resolution also condemned India’s unlawful and unilateral declaration to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance in blatant violation of the Treaty which clearly amounts to an act of war.

The resolution demanded that India should be held accountable for its involvement in different acts of terrorism and targeted association on the soil of other countries, including Pakistan.

It reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering, moral, political and diplomatic support to the commitment of the Kashmiri people’s just struggle for realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.

JUIF chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman led a walkout against non-serious environment in the House and absence of prime minister and most of his cabinet members. Opposition leader Omar Ayub also shared a photo on ‘X’ in which front row of the treasury benches was empty.

Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned on Monday that India could carry out a military strike at any point along the Line of Control (LoC). “There are reports that India may strike at any point along the Line of Control (LoC)… New Delhi will be given a befitting reply,” the defence minister said while speaking to journalists in Islamabad.

When asked why the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) skipped last night’s security briefing, Asif said: “I don’t know why PTI chose not to participate in the in-camera session.”

Meanwhile, in a bid to expose the baselessness of Indian allegations, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar Monday led international media representatives to Bela Noor Shah near Pir Chinasi in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) — a location India recently accused of harbouring terrorist camps.

Standing at the very site cited by Indian authorities, Tarar categorically rejected New Delhi’s claims as politically motivated propaganda aimed at deflecting attention from internal failures. He said the visit provided first-hand evidence to disprove India’s assertions.

“There are glaring contradictions and anomalies in India’s narrative. We are physically here at one of the alleged sites, and it is evident that no such camps exist,” Tarar told both international and local journalists.

He noted that Bela Noor Shah, a scenic area located 26 kilometres from the Line of Control (LoC), is a popular tourist destination and home to both a government and a private school—further underlining the peaceful civilian activity in the area.

The minister invited media representatives to speak freely with local residents, inspect buildings, visit schools, and independently verify the ground realities. “India’s tactic of blaming Pakistan for its internal issues is nothing new,” he added. “This time, they went a step further by publishing a map falsely alleging terrorist training activity at this very spot.”

Tarar also highlighted that global media outlets and independent observers had already dismissed India’s narrative regarding Pakistan’s alleged involvement in the recent Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).