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UNSC Holds Closed-Door Consultations on Pahalgam Attack Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday convened a closed-door session to discuss the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, most of them tourists. The 90-minute consultation, held at Pakistan’s request, ended without a formal statement from the Council.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the objective of the meeting was to enable Council members to deliberate on the deteriorating security situation in South Asia, particularly the heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
While the session did not take place at the Council’s traditional horseshoe table, representatives including Khaled Mohamed Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the importance of “dialogue and peaceful resolution” to avoid further escalation. Khiari described the current situation as “volatile.”
Greece, which holds the presidency of the UNSC for May, facilitated the meeting. Greek Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris described the discussions as “productive” and “helpful.” A Russian diplomat, exiting the session, expressed hope for de-escalation in the region.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, ahead of the meeting, issued a strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and called for accountability through credible and lawful means. “Targeting civilians is unacceptable,” Guterres stated, urging both nations to show maximum restraint. He emphasized that a military response would not resolve the conflict, reiterating the need for diplomacy and restraint in his communications with both New Delhi and Islamabad.
India, in response to the attack, has taken a series of diplomatic and strategic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, halting visa services, and closing its airspace to Pakistani aircraft. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged that those responsible for the attack will be held accountable and brought to justice.
Meanwhile, Pakistani ministers have alleged that a military strike from India may be imminent. Islamabad has called for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam incident, rejecting India’s accusations of cross-border involvement.
Also Read : Pakistan Defence Minister Alleges Possible Indian Military Strike Amid Pahalgam Attack Fallout
