ISLAMABAD / UNITED NATIONS – Pakistan is preparing to formally brief the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) over India’s “aggressive actions” in the wake of the deadly April 22 attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. Amid rising regional tensions, diplomatic efforts are intensifying to prevent a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has instructed the country’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, to take immediate steps to initiate a Security Council meeting. “Pakistan will inform the UNSC about India’s provocations, including its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and threatening military posture,” said the Foreign Ministry.
This development comes as Greece, which holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council, indicated that a session on India-Pakistan tensions could be convened “sooner rather than later.” Greek Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris said that although no formal request had been submitted yet, preparations were underway, and close contacts were being maintained with relevant parties.
Heightened Military Readiness and Diplomatic Engagements
Tensions between the two countries have surged following Indian accusations of “cross-border linkages” in the Pahalgam attack — claims rejected by Pakistan, which called for an impartial investigation. In response to the heightened threat level, Pakistan has reinforced its forces, tested an upgraded Abdali nuclear-capable missile with a range of 450 kilometers, and bolstered food and logistics supplies in vulnerable areas along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir warned that any Indian misadventure would be met with a “swift, resolute, and notch-up response.” The top military brass echoed this stance, asserting that Pakistan is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, during a briefing at the UN headquarters, emphasized that Pakistan had already updated key stakeholders including the UN Secretary-General, the presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He stated that Pakistan would act within its “inherent and legitimate right to self-defence” under the UN Charter in the event of Indian aggression.
National Security Briefing and Political Response
Back home, Pakistan’s government scheduled a high-level national security briefing for political party leaders. Led by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and ISPR DG Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the session aims to inform leaders about military preparedness, diplomatic initiatives, and national strategy. However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opted out, criticizing the government for failing to foster genuine political consensus and exclude key opposition figures like former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
PTI reiterated its condemnation of terrorism in all forms but stressed the need for a multi-party conference to establish a united national front.
Regional and International Diplomacy in Motion
As tensions rise, international actors are stepping in. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to visit both Pakistan and India next week, offering mediation and dialogue. Iran had previously expressed willingness to de-escalate the situation, a gesture welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Dato Seri Mohamad Hassan spoke with FM Dar, backing Pakistan’s position and urging restraint. The OIC has also issued a statement calling for an urgent resumption of dialogue and reaffirmed its support for the Jammu and Kashmir issue, highlighting it as the core obstacle to lasting peace in South Asia.
Censorship and Digital Crackdown
In a related development, India has blocked the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PTI founder Imran Khan. The PPP condemned the move, calling it a cowardly attempt to suppress dissent. Senator Sherry Rehman said that censorship would not silence the truth and urged India to present evidence rather than resort to silencing critics.
Outlook: Calls for Restraint, But Tensions Persist
While Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to peace, it continues to warn of a firm response to any hostile action. With military deployments increasing and diplomatic rhetoric hardening, global stakeholders are urging both nations to exercise caution.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar summed up Pakistan’s position: “We condemn terrorism, mourn the loss of innocent lives, and categorically reject baseless allegations. Pakistan remains committed to peace but will defend itself if provoked.”
Greek Ambassador Sekeris echoed these sentiments: “We strongly condemn terrorism. But both India and Pakistan must avoid letting tensions spiral. Dialogue is crucial now more than ever.”
