Pahalgam terror attack: UN chief asks India, Pakistan to step back from the brink, says military solution is no…, raises tough questions for Islamabad

The United Nations chief has asked India and Pakistan to step back from the brink and advocated that military solution is no solution. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres made remarks to the press from the UNSC stake-out amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, including a Nepali citizen.

Guterres said he understands the “raw feelings” following the “awful terror attack” in Pahalgam and reiterated his strong condemnation of that attack, extending his condolences to the families of the victims.

‘Targeting civilians is unacceptable’

“Targeting civilians is unacceptable – and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means,” he said.

Guterres stressed that it is essential – especially at this critical hour — to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control.

“Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution,” the UN chief said.

‘Relations reaching a boiling point’

Guterres voiced concern over tensions between India and Pakistan being at “their highest in years”, saying “it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point”. Last week, Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in a call with Jaishankar, noting the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means while voicing deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

In the weeks following the Pahalgam terror attack, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with all Council members, with the exception of China and Pakistan.

In his calls, Jaishankar underlined that “its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice”.

Jaishankar had a “good conversation” with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and had “discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack”.

Meeting ends with no statement

The UN Security Council commenced closed-door consultations on the situation between both countries after request of Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council. That meeting ended without any outcome or statement from the powerful 15-nation UN organ, dealing a huge snub to Pakistan’s efforts, backed by Beijing, to internationalise the Kashmir issue, which an overwhelming majority in the Council stressed is a bilateral matter between New Delhi and Islamabad. Guterres spoke separately with Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

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