UN Chief Antonio Guterres Advocates for Peace Amid India-Pakistan Ceasefire

UN Secretary General's Call for De-escalation

United Nations: Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, has expressed his support for the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of its implementation, as stated by his spokesperson, Farhan Haq, on Saturday.

Haq remarked, "We appreciate all initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and hope for the successful execution of the ceasefire."

He further noted, "We are closely observing the developments in the region."

Guterres has voiced significant concern regarding the ongoing conflict, asserting, "The global community cannot afford a military clash between India and Pakistan."

He has consistently urged for a reduction in hostilities, even holding a dedicated press briefing on the matter.

Last month, Guterres reached out to India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan's Prime Minister to express his worries about the escalating tensions.

In light of the situation, various international figures, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have been urging both nations to seek peaceful resolutions, with Haq stating on Thursday, "We support all efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation."

The Resistance Front, linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the tragic killing of 26 individuals in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.

Guterres condemned this terrorist act in the strongest possible terms, declaring, "Attacking civilians is intolerable, and those accountable must face justice through transparent and lawful processes."

He has also offered his assistance to mediate a resolution to the crisis. Following Pakistan's request, the Security Council convened a closed-door meeting on the situation, which included a briefing from Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari.

However, the Council has yet to hold an open session regarding the conflict.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the Council released a statement unanimously denouncing the incident, with Pakistan, a current member, agreeing to the condemnation.

The statement expressed strong disapproval of the terrorist attack and called for international cooperation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.