UN chief raises concern about Indian military actions in Pakistan

NEW YORK: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was very concerned about Indian military operations in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, his spokesperson said on Tuesday while calling for maximum military restraint from India and Pakistan.

“The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries,” the spokesperson said.

“The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

Earlier, Antonio Guterres called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed the prevailing security situation in South Asia.

The prime minister appreciated the UN Secretary General’s continued engagement and outreach efforts and welcomed his call for de-escalation as well as the need to avoid any confrontation.

While reiterating his offer of an independent transparent, neutral and credible investigation, the prime minister expressed his concern that India was yet to provide any evidence, nevertheless it continued to resort to provocative rhetoric and war mongering.

He reiterated Pakistan’s determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The prime minister expressed his serious concern at Indian attempts to politicise international financial institutions in an attempt to harm Pakistan’s economic interests.

The secretary general briefed the prime minister on his outreach efforts for peace and stability in the region, and expressed his commitment to remain engaged with all interlocutors on the issue.