ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The United Nations has called on India and Pakistan to exercise “maximum restraint” in the wake of a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Attack Details
On April 22, 2025, militants opened fire on a group of tourists near Pahalgam, a popular resort in the Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 individuals and injured over 20 others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the assault. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militants, a charge Pakistan denies. In response, India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, closed the Attari-Wagah border crossing, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and revoked visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan retaliated by suspending visas for Indian nationals, expelling Indian diplomats, and closing its airspace to Indian flights. Both countries also suspended trade and diplomatic engagements
UN’s Call for Restraint
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that Secretary-General Guterres is “following the situation very closely and with great concern.” He condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims. Dujarric emphasized that the UN chief has not had direct contact with the leadership of India and Pakistan but reiterated the importance of “maximum restraint” to prevent further deterioration of the situation. He added that the UN believes all issues between the two countries “can and should be resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement.”
International Reactions
World leaders have condemned the attack and called for de-escalation. U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed strong support for India and condolences for the victims. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also offered condolences and solidarity with India. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed similar sentiments, denouncing the attack and calling for justice.
Regional Tensions
The attack has exacerbated long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir region. The Line of Control (LoC), which divides the region, has witnessed increased military activity, including a brief exchange of gunfire between Indian and Pakistani troops. The situation remains volatile, with both countries on high alert. ([Indian officials say troops exchanged fire with Pakistani soldiers in Kashmir
The UN’s call for restraint underscores the international community’s concern over the potential for further escalation in the region. As both India and Pakistan take steps to protect their national interests, the need for dialogue and diplomatic engagement remains critical to prevent a broader conflict.
