Pahalgam attack: UN urges Pakistan, India to show 'maximum restraint'

UN called on both nuclear-armed nations to avoid further escalation and to resolve differences peacefully.

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The United Nations on Thursday urged India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" following a attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Secretary-General António Guterres had not held direct contact with either government in the past 24 hours but was monitoring the situation "very closely and with very great concern."

"We were very clear in our condemnation of the attack that occurred in Pahalgam on the 22nd, which killed a large number of civilians," Dujarric said during a press briefing in New York.

He called on both nuclear-armed nations to avoid further escalation and to resolve differences peacefully.

"Any issues between Pakistan and India, we believe can be and should be resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement," Dujarric said.

The attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir has sharply raised tensions between the South Asian neighbours, which have fought multiple wars over the disputed territory.

In the aftermath of a deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists and wounded 17 others, India announced a sweeping set of measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

In response, the National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan warned that any attempt by India to block water flow into Pakistan would be treated as an act of war.

The statement followed a high-level NSC meeting, which also approved the closure of the Wagah border crossing.

Key decisions announced by NSC:

• India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty rejected.
• Any diversion of Pakistan’s water to be treated as an act of war.
• Wagah Border closed to all Indian land transit with immediate effect.
• Airspace to all Indian-owned or operated flights closed.
• 1972 Simla Agreement could be suspended.
• SAARC visa exemption facility for Indian nationals cancelled.
• Indian nationals in Pakistan ordered to leave within 48 hours.
• Indian defence advisers declared persona non grata.
• Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad limited to 30 persons.
• All forms of trade with India suspended, including via third countries.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office expressed concern over the loss of lives and termed India’s subsequent measures “unilateral, unjust, politically motivated, extremely irresponsible, and devoid of legal merit.”

The statement said that India’s response violates international norms, United Nations Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements.

The committee also rejected India’s announcement to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a binding international accord with no clause allowing unilateral suspension.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was attended by senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and top military commanders attended the session.