On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his concern over mounting tensions between India and Pakistan, stressing that relations between the two nations have reached a peak in recent years. He appealed for restraint from both countries and urged them to control the situation. In a brief statement, Guterres emphasized, 'Military solutions aren't solutions.'
Guterres extended his 'good offices' to both governments for peaceful resolution. He stated, 'The United Nations is prepared to support any initiative that de-escalates tensions, promotes diplomacy, and renews commitment to peace.'
The Secretary-General's remarks came on Monday, following Islamabad's urgent request for a meeting just hours before the United Nations Security Council's closed-door discussions on India-Pakistan tensions. Guterres remarked, 'Tensions between India and Pakistan have been at their highest in years. I deeply appreciate the contributions of both governments and their people to United Nations missions.'
He added, 'It is regrettable to witness relations reaching boiling points.' Guterres acknowledged the 'raw emotions' following the 'horrific terror attack' on 22 April in Pahalgam and reiterated his strong condemnation of the attack, offering condolences to the families of those who perished. 'Targeting civilians is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and legal means,' he asserted.
Guterres stressed the importance of avoiding military conflict during this critical time, warning that the situation could spiral out of control. Relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated further since the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. This prompted India to take several strategic measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, closing the only operational point at Attari, and downgrading diplomatic relations.
