Pahalgam Terror Attack: India-Pakistan tensions highest in years, says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

Amid growing tensions between nuclear powers India and Pakistan in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that it “pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point”. Expressing concern over the situation between the two sides, he said that India-Pakistan tensions have mounted to the highest level in years. “I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the governments and people of both countries and their significant contributions to the work of the United Nations, not least UN peacekeeping,” noted Guterres. 

The official also reiterated the UN’s position against the April 22, stating that he strongly condemns the attack. “I understand the raw feelings following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April,” he said, extending condolences to the impacted families.

Rising Indo-Pak Tensions After Pahalgam Terror Attack | Targeting civilians is unacceptable, says UN Secretary-General  

“Targeting civilians is unacceptable – and those responsible must be brought to justice through transparent, credible, and lawful means,” said Antonio, also emphasising the importance of avoiding a military confrontation “that could easily spin out of control”.

“Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink,” he said. 

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Make no mistake, a military solution is no solution: UN’s Antonio Guterres

Guterres stressed that a military solution is no solution in the conflict, offering “good offices to both governments in the service of peace”. Good offices refers to a diplomatic effort wherein a neutral third party facilitates negotiations between two parties in conflict.

‘UN stands ready to support…’

The United Nations, he said, stands ready to support “any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace”.