UN Security Council meeting addresses Indian threats towards Pakistan

NEW YORK: The United Nations (UN) Security Council convened a closed-door meeting on Monday at the request of Pakistan to discuss escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed Pakistan and India.

The latest clash follows an attack in the Indian-occupied Kashmir where gunmen opened fire on tourists, killing 26, mostly men.

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Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, briefed the UN Security Council on the situation. He drew attention to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it has remained on the UN agenda for over seven decades.

The envoy said that Indian actions posed a threat not only to Pakistan but also to regional and global peace.

During the meeting, Asim Ahmed outlined Pakistan’s position regarding India’s provocations and aggression, calling for immediate action from the Security Council. He stated the suspense of the India Water Treat by India, which he described as a violation of the international law.     

The Pakistani envoy also rejected Indian accusations of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam incident.

The purpose of the meeting was to address how to manage the deteriorating situation, with Asim Ahmed reiterating that Pakistan does not seek conflict but is prepared to defend itself.

In a press briefing, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed journalists outside the Security Council. He expressed concern over the heightened tensions between the two South Asian neighbours. Guterres noted that relations between India and Pakistan have reached a critical level of strain.

He condemned Pahalgam attack on April 22, reiterating that targeting civilians is unacceptable and that those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means.

Guterres stressed the need to avoid a military confrontation that could escalate further, urging both nuclear-armed nations to exercise maximum restraint. He offered his good offices to both governments to help defuse tensions and promote diplomacy, stating that a military solution is not viable.

The UN Secretary-General expressed readiness to support any initiative that fosters de-escalation and a renewed commitment to peace.

Meanwhile, the UN’s official website reported Guterres’s remarks, highlighting his call for both countries to step back from the brink of conflict. He praised India and Pakistan for their contributions to the UN peacekeeping operations and expressed hope for renewed dialogue based on their shared history of cooperation.

The backdrop to these discussions in the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, which has significantly raised tensions between the two South Asian nations. Following the attack, India accused Pakistan of involvement without providing evidence, leading to a suspension of diplomatic relations and trade.

Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace and ports to Indian vessels, after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty.

The Indian government also gave its military increased authority to respond to perceive threats. Information Minister Atta Tarar recently stated that there was a high likelihood of an Indian attack on Pakistan.

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The UN Security Council meeting included participation from all 15 members, including the five permanent members, as they considered the implications of India’s unilateral actions and the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis.