UNITED NATIONS, May 6 (Alliance News): Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, voiced serious concerns over India’s recent actions following the Pahalgam attack, warning that they pose a grave threat to regional peace and stability.
Speaking to the media after a closed-door session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) — convened at Pakistan’s request — the envoy said the long-standing Kashmir dispute remains the core issue between Pakistan and India and must be resolved in line with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
“A peaceful and lasting resolution is not possible without the involvement of Kashmiris,” Ambassador Iftikhar said. He also condemned ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), stating that innocent civilians continue to suffer under Indian security forces.
He reiterated Islamabad’s rejection of any involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. “Pakistan has nothing to do with this incident,” he said, offering full cooperation in an impartial, transparent, and international investigation.
Highlighting Pakistan’s anti-terror credentials, he said, “We have lost over 90,000 lives in the fight against terrorism and remain committed to this global cause.” He emphasized that Pakistan reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ambassador Iftikhar also expressed alarm over India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, terming it a violation of international law and stating that the issue was raised during the UNSC meeting.
He urged the international community to act on the Security Council’s own resolutions to ensure durable peace in South Asia. “Dialogue is Pakistan’s preferred path,” the envoy noted, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes with its neighbors.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing reporters outside the UNSC, called for “maximum restraint” from both nations. He warned that the ongoing tensions could trigger a wider military conflict if left unchecked. Guterres also condemned the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing that targeting civilians is unacceptable and that perpetrators must face justice through credible and lawful means.
The Security Council session began with a briefing by Khaled Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, who outlined the security risks and the deteriorating India-Pakistan relationship.
