United Nations — UN Secretary General António Guterres has called for “maximum restraint” from both Pakistan and India following heightened tensions after a deadly attack in the Indian-occupied Kashmir town of Pahalgam.
The incident, which occurred in the popular tourist destination, resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people — mostly Indian nationals, with one victim from Nepal — and left 17 others injured. In response, both countries have taken retaliatory diplomatic actions, prompting international concern.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Thursday that the Secretary General is “following the situation very closely and with great concern.” He emphasized that issues between Pakistan and India “should be resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement” and urged both sides to avoid steps that could worsen the already tense atmosphere.
In particular, Guterres expressed concern over India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty — a long-standing water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960. The UN warned against any measures that could further escalate hostilities.
Despite these appeals, Pakistani and Indian forces exchanged fire across the Line of Control (LoC) on Thursday night. A government official in Azad Jammu and Kashmir confirmed the incident but reported no civilian casualties.
The United States also weighed in on the crisis. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Washington is “closely monitoring the situation” but refrained from commenting on the status of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for de-escalation.
Pakistan has since suspended trade and closed its airspace to India as part of its response to New Delhi’s aggressive actions. The decisions were made during a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting in Islamabad chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, attended by senior government and military officials.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the NSC meeting focused on the national and regional security environment, especially in light of the Pahalgam incident, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and respond to any provocation in a measured yet firm manner.
