PM, UN chief discuss next steps to build on May 10 ceasefire

ISLAMABAD:

In the aftermath of the recent conflict with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continued diplomatic outreach and held discussions with world leaders on factors endangering peace in the region, reiterating that Pakistan desired peace in South Asia and, in that spirit, had agreed to the ceasefire understanding with India.

According to a press release from the PM Office Media Wing, the prime minister held telephone conversations with the President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

During his telephonic interaction with the UN secretary-general, the prime minister emphasised that the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, was imperative for ensuring durable peace in South Asia.

He urged the secretary-general to play his role in this regard.

It was the third phone call between the two leaders in the past two weeks, the PM Office added.

The prime minister expressed deep appreciation for the secretary-general's leadership and diplomatic efforts to defuse the tense situation in South Asia, which had been gravely endangered by India's unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Pakistan.

He noted that the secretary-general's continued engagement and preventive diplomacy demonstrated his enduring commitment to upholding the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, as well as fostering peace in the region.

The prime minister stated that Pakistan had agreed to the ceasefire understanding in the larger interest of regional peace.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's firm resolve to promote peace in South Asia while defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.

He denounced India's aggression, carried out under the false pretext of terrorism, calling it a dangerous precedent that warranted the international community's attention.

He also expressed concern over the continued provocative and inflammatory statements by Indian leadership, describing them as a threat to the region's fragile peace.

The UN secretary-general welcomed the ceasefire understanding and extended condolences over the loss of civilian lives.

He reiterated his commitment to continued engagement with both sides to advance peace and stability in the region, noting that working for international peace was a core responsibility of his office and a global imperative.

The United Nations has confirmed that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres received a telephone call from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying they discussed "possible next steps" to build-on Saturday's ceasefire between India and Pakistan that eased tensions between the two South Asian neighbours.Drones

"The secretary-general welcomed the May 10 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan and commended both sides for taking steps to reduce tensions," his Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Aziz Haq, said in response to a question at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday.

UAE president

In his phone call with the UAE president, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to uphold the ceasefire understanding, along with its unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also asserted that Pakistan would not allow the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty to be challenged under any circumstances.