The UN Security Council has taken a significant step regarding Pakistan amidst rising tensions related to the recent terrorist attacks in Pahargam, according to reports from news agency Ani. Sources indicate that council members expressed strong criticism toward Islamabad for its link to the attacks carried out by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator.
Efforts to internationalize the issue surrounding Islamabad have not gained traction, especially with a global security body highlighting concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric as potentially escalating the situation. The report also mentioned worries about recent missile tests conducted by Pakistan.
Pakistan, one of the 10 non-permanent members of the council, requested “closed consultations” from the Greek presidency of the UNSC due to the ongoing tensions with India.
The UNSC includes permanent members with veto power: China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US, alongside non-permanent members like Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia.
In discussions that lasted over an hour, UNSC members condemned the terrorist attacks and stressed the importance of accountability. They also voiced concerns about tourists being targeted based on their religion in Pahargam.
Members dismissed Pakistan’s narrative of “fake flags” regarding the incident and encouraged both sides to address the issue with India.
Following the talks, Pakistan’s envoy, Asim Iftical, refuted all allegations of involvement in the Pahargam attacks and described India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty as a breach of international law.
No formal statements have yet emerged from either the Security Council or India following the meeting.
Tunisian diplomat Khaled Mohamed Chiari commented that the situation remained “unstable” and advocated for “dialogue and a peaceful resolution” to the conflict.
Greek envoy Evangelos Sekeris, who chairs the Security Council in May, characterized the meeting as “productive and kind.”
A Russian diplomat underscored the desire to avoid escalation.
Before the discussions, UN Prime Minister Antonio Guterres remarked that “military solutions are not the solution,” urging both countries to exercise restraint and step back from the brink of conflict. He expressed concern about the deteriorating relationship, noting, “It’s painful to see a relationship reach its boiling point.”
Guterres condemned the terrorist attacks, acknowledging the “raw emotions” involved, stating that it is unacceptable to target civilians, and insisted that those responsible must be brought to justice through lawful means.
The Pahargam attack on April 22 was one of the deadliest in decades, leaving a profound impact globally. In response to the massacre, India halted the Indus Waters Treaty and revoked Pakistani visas.
