UN chief stands ready to support any initiatives, acceptable to India, Pak for ‘de-escalation’, ‘resumption of dialogue’

EXPRESSING deep concern over the situation between India and Pakistan, UN chief Antonio Guterres stands ready to support any initiatives, acceptable to both parties, for "de-escalation" and "resumption of dialogue", his office has said.

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The Secretary-General “remains deeply concerned about the situation between India and Pakistan. He strongly urges both Governments to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any escalation,” a statement by the office of his spokesperson said Monday.

Guterres “reaffirms his firm belief that even the most challenging issues can be resolved peacefully through meaningful and constructive dialogue. He stands ready to support any initiatives, acceptable to both parties, that promote de-escalation and the resumption of dialogue.”

Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan after terrorists opened fire near Kashmir's Pahalgam town on April 22, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.