Pakistan has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to play an active role in de-escalating tensions in South Asia to safeguard regional and global peace.

Briefing journalists after a special UNSC session in New York, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, warned that India's actions pose a serious threat to regional stability. He emphasized that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving longstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute.

Highlighting the unresolved nature of the Kashmir conflict even after more than 70 years, Ambassador Iftikhar condemned ongoing human rights violations against the Kashmiri people. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to participate in any neutral and independent investigation into the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead and several injured.

The Ambassador also voiced concern over India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling it a matter requiring urgent international attention.

Speaking separately to reporters, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the deteriorating relations between India and Pakistan, describing them as the most strained in years. He strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that attacks targeting civilians are unacceptable and that those responsible must be held accountable through lawful means.

Guterres warned that any military escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors could spiral out of control and urged all parties to exercise restraint at this critical juncture.

Ambassador Iftikhar is expected to issue a formal statement to the press at the conclusion of the session.