International community urged to prevent intensification of tension between Pakistan and India
In the aftermath of the recent terror attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, tensions between India and Pakistan remain high. The ambassador of Pakistan to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has called for additional and coordinated efforts from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to address the dispute over the sovereignty of Jammu and Kashmir.
The attack, which resulted in the death of 26 innocent civilians, has been blamed on Pakistan by India without any evidence, according to the ambassador. In spite of accusations, Ahmad maintains Pakistan's innocence and unequivocally condemns terrorism, advocating for dialogue between the two nations, including discussions on terrorism.
Ahmad's tone was conciliatory, according to Spanish news agency EFE, as he encouraged dialogue and suggested that if India is open to discussions, they could tackle terrorism together. Yet, he issued a stern warning to India, emphasizing that Pakistan will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity if provoked.
When questioned about the use of nuclear weapons in the case of an attack, the ambassador remained vague, only stating that he wouldn't disclose Pakistan's Defense strategies.
The terror attack on April 22 marks the deadliest attack against civilians in the Muslim-majority region in over 20 years. Prior to any claim of responsibility, New Delhi pointed fingers at Islamabad. Pakistan vehemently denied any involvement and demanded a "neutral inquiry."
The two nuclear powers have been locked in conflict since then, with their respective governments imposing reciprocal diplomatic sanctions and advising citizens to leave the neighboring country's territory. The two nations share more than 2,900 kilometers of terrestrial border, and the region of Kashmir has been a point of contention since they became independent states in 1947.
While no major policy shifts followed the April 2025 attack, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent volatility in the India-Pakistan relationship and the unresolved status of Kashmir. International engagement remains muted compared to regional escalations, with water disputes and human rights concerns adding to the complexity of the conflict.
- The ambassador of Pakistan to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has warned India that Pakistan will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity if provoked.
- Ahmad's tone was conciliatory, according to Spanish news agency EFE, as he encouraged dialogue and suggested that if India is open to discussions, they could tackle terrorism together.
- In spite of accusations, Ahmad maintains Pakistan's innocence and unequivocally condemns terrorism, advocating for dialogue between the two nations, including discussions on terrorism.
- The United Nations Security Council, composed of the five permanent members, has been urged by Ahmad to make additional and coordinated efforts to address the dispute over the sovereignty of Jammu and Kashmir.
