Escalating violence: UNSG urges Pakistan, India to resolve issues via dialogue

Ban Ki-moon welcomes NSA level meetings between the two countries, urges them to show restraint

NEW YORK: The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday expressed serious concerns over the recent escalation of violence along the Line of Control between Pakistan and India, calling on both the governments to exercise restraint  and resolving issues through dialogue.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, Moon noted that the violence which had reportedly resulted in a number of casualties on both sides, including civilians. He conveyed his condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives.

“The Secretary-General calls upon the governments of India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and take all feasible steps to ensure the protection of civilians,” the statement read.

He urged both countries to continue to address their differences through dialogue, rather than the gun.

In this regard, he welcomed the planned meeting between the National Security Advisors of the nuclear-tipped neighbours scheduled to be held in New Delhi on August 23-24,

“[He] expresses the hope that it will lead to positive outcomes.”