United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on both Pakistan and India to exercise “maximum restraint” as tensions escalate between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The incident occurred in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in the disputed region, where gunmen opened fire on visitors, killing at least 26 men—mostly Indian nationals and one from Nepal—and injuring 17 others.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Thursday that the Secretary-General is closely monitoring the developments and is deeply concerned. “We urge both governments to act with maximum restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation,” he stated.
Dujarric also mentioned that Guterres has not had direct communication with the leadership of either country. He emphasized the UN’s stance that any issues between India and Pakistan should be resolved peacefully through constructive dialogue.
When asked about India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—a water-sharing agreement mediated by the World Bank in 1960—Dujarric said it falls under the broader appeal for restraint, cautioning against any action that could intensify regional tensions.
Despite the UN’s plea, reports emerged the next day that Indian and Pakistani troops had exchanged fire across the Line of Control (LoC). Syed Ashfaq Gilani, an official in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, confirmed the exchange but noted that civilian areas were not targeted.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department also commented on the situation. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the events as “rapidly evolving” and reiterated that the U.S. is not taking a stance on the status of Kashmir or Jammu at this time.
In response to India’s aggressive measures following the attack, Pakistan announced a suspension of trade and closure of its airspace to Indian flights. The decision was made during a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting in Islamabad, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by key civilian and military leaders.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the NSC strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack and deemed India’s subsequent actions as “unilateral, politically motivated, and lacking legal justification.”
The committee announced several retaliatory steps, including the closure of the Wagah Border and a review of all bilateral agreements with India, such as the Simla Agreement. The statement asserted that these agreements would be put on hold until India halts activities that Pakistan claims involve cross-border terrorism, extrajudicial killings, and violations of international law.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reaffirmed these measures in a press briefing on Friday, highlighting Pakistan’s determination to defend its national interests.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also briefed President Asif Ali Zardari on India’s conduct and the decisions taken by the NSC. The president praised the committee’s response as timely and reflective of the nation’s will, reiterating that the entire country stands united behind these measures.
Naqvi emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to defend its sovereignty, warning that any adversary should not underestimate the nation’s defense capabilities.
In a separate development, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch briefed foreign diplomats in Islamabad, categorically rejecting India’s allegations of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack. She warned that India’s attempts to politicize terrorism for internal gains risk destabilizing the region and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to respond decisively to any hostile actions.
