United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres dialled Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. In his call, with the two leaders, Guterres emphasised the need for justice and accountability. He condemned the attack and expressed concern over rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Guterres warned that “confrontation could have catastrophic consequences.”
Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, while addressing a press briefing stated that he (Guterres) spoke to EAM S Jaishankar and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif. Guterres emphasised on importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means.
“UN Secretary General spoke separately with Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and he also spoke with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs of India. In his phone call, the Secretary General reiterated strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Dujarric.
Furthermore, Dujarric stated that the UN Secretary General has expressed deep concern over the rising tension between India and Pakistan. Guterres underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. He has also offered his good officers to support any de-escalation efforts. He clarified that the world cannot afford a confrontation between the two nations, as it would be catastrophic.
“The Secretary General remains concerned by the high level of tension between the two countries… He wants to see both sides towards a de-escalation. The region and the world cannot afford a confrontation between India and Pakistan, which would be catastrophic for those two countries and for the world as a whole,” Dujarric added.
EAM S Jaishankar also took to his X handle to inform about the telephonic conversation with Guterres. He wrote, “Received a call from UN SG Antonio Guterres. Appreciate his unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Agreed on the importance of accountability. India is resolved that the perpetrators, planners and backers of this attack are brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan PM reiterated for neutral investigation in his conversation with UN Secretary-General. “Had a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. I reaffirmed Pakistan’s condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, rejected baseless Indian accusations, and called for a transparent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan remains committed to peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full force if challenged,” wrote Sharif on X.
