UN Chief Urges Calm Amid Pakistan’s Claim of Imminent Indian Strike

In a significant diplomatic move, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres held telephonic conversations with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar amid rising tensions between the two countries.

The development came after Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that India is planning a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, based on “credible intelligence.” This follows the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 people — mostly tourists.

Guterres condemned the attack and emphasized the need for accountability through lawful means. He expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and offered the UN’s good offices to help de-escalate the situation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance against terrorism and rejected Indian accusations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident. He demanded a neutral investigation and called upon the UN to play a more active role in resolving the Kashmir dispute.

India, meanwhile, welcomed the UN’s condemnation of the attack and stressed its resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice. Indian authorities have not officially responded to Pakistan’s strike warnings, but blame has informally been directed toward cross-border militants.

With tensions running high, observers fear a repeat of the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot standoff, making diplomatic intervention all the more critical.