05.05.2025 19:10
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the tension between India and Pakistan has reached a critical level, calling on both countries to avoid military conflict. Guterres emphasized, "It is of utmost importance to avoid a military conflict that could easily spiral out of control during this critical period."
NEW United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on India and Pakistan to "turn back from the brink" and to avoid military conflict.
REACHED A CRITICAL LEVEL
Guterres made a statement to the press regarding the increasing tension between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Noting that the tension between India and Pakistan has reached its highest level in recent years, Guterres expressed his deep respect and gratitude to the governments and people of both countries for their significant contributions to UN efforts.
CALL TO DE-ESCALATE TENSIONS
The UN Secretary-General stated that the relations between the two countries have reached a "boiling point," reiterating his strong condemnation of the terrorist attack. Emphasizing that targeting civilians is unacceptable, Guterres said, "Those responsible must be brought to justice through transparent, reliable, and lawful means."
Guterres stated, "It is of great importance to avoid a military conflict that could easily spiral out of control during this critical period. Now is the time to show maximum restraint and step back from the brink. I must make it clear that a military solution is not a solution." The UN Secretary-General, who offered good-faith mediation to both governments to serve peace, conveyed the message that "the UN is ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, the pursuit of diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace."
TERRORIST ATTACK IN PAHALGAM
In the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, administered by India, 26 people lost their lives and many others were injured when armed individuals opened fire on tourists on April 22.
India, accusing that the attackers "came from Pakistan," suspended the "Indus Waters Treaty," requested that Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi leave the country within a week, and announced the suspension of visa services for Pakistani citizens, stating that all previously issued visas were canceled.
Pakistan, rejecting the accusations, imposed restrictions on the number of Indian diplomatic personnel in Islamabad, declared that any interventions in the rivers outside the "Indus Waters Treaty" would be considered a "cause for war," suspended all trade with India, and closed its airspace.