UN chief expresses concern over situation at LoC, Working Boundary

António Guterres stands ready to mediate peace talks between Pakistan and India

While expressing concern over the situation developing along the Line of Control (LoC) between Pakistan and India, the United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres stressed the two nations to resume talks, Radio Pakistan reported.



Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN secretary general at a regular news briefing in New York said Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over firing incidents at the LoC and the Working Boundary and is also following the situation.

He said the UN encourages Pakistan and India to resolve the issue through the process of constructive dialogue.

The UN chief stands ready to mediate peace talks between Pakistan and India, added the spokesperson.

He said as a matter of principle, the secretary-general's good offices are always available but the two sides (Pakistan and India) must agree to his mediation.

The Foreign Office on January 20 had summoned the Indian deputy high commissioner over unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian forces at the LoC and the WB resulting in the loss of lives on Pakistan’s side.

Pakistan has repeatedly condemned increasing ceasefire violations by Indian forces due to which, several civilians have lost their lives.



Islamabad has been urging New Delhi to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement, investigate the incidents of ceasefire violations, instruct Indian forces to respect the ceasefire in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC. However, the violation of the truce has still been continuing.

Pakistan and India both claim Kashmir, and have fought two of their three wars over the Himalayan region, which they have disputed since partition and independence from British colonial rule in 1947.