ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the UN Chief and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, where the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in South Asia. The prime minister used the opportunity to urge the UN to play a proactive role in the Kashmir issue, which he described as the root cause of instability in the region.
During the call, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and highlighted the country’s significant sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism. He firmly rejected Indian accusations linking Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam incident, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s demand for a transparent, neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident and warned against any attempt to use terrorism as a pretext to undermine the legitimate Kashmir dispute. He voiced deep concern over India’s ongoing efforts to delegitimise the Kashmiri freedom movement, calling such actions part of a broader campaign of state-sponsored oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Highlighting another critical concern, Prime Minister Shehbaz criticised India’s manipulation of the Indus Basin waters, terming it unacceptable. He stressed that the water of the Indus River system is the lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis, and any irresponsible action in this regard would have severe humanitarian implications.
The prime minister made it clear that Pakistan would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity with full force if provoked by any Indian misadventure. He urged the UN Secretary-General to counsel India towards acting responsibly and showing restraint in the current climate of tension.
He also called on the United Nations to step forward and ensure a just and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute per the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He emphasised that resolving the Kashmir dispute was essential for lasting peace in South Asia.
In response, Secretary-General Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability. He noted that the world could not afford further escalation in South Asia at such a sensitive global moment.
The prime minister concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and its responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
