Ashraf AboArafe
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres this afternoon to exchange views on the evolving situation in South Asia. This marked the third telephonic interaction between the two leaders in the past two weeks.
The Prime Minister conveyed his deep appreciation for the Secretary-General’s leadership and diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in South Asia, which had been gravely threatened by India’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Pakistan. He commended the Secretary-General’s sustained engagement and preventive diplomacy, highlighting it as a reflection of his unwavering commitment to upholding the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and advancing peace in the region.
Prime Minister Sharif reiterated that Pakistan had agreed to the ceasefire understanding in the broader interest of regional peace and stability. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to promote peace in South Asia, while resolutely defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Prime Minister strongly condemned India’s aggressive actions based on a false narrative of terrorism, describing it as a dangerous precedent warranting serious international attention. He also voiced concern over continued provocative and inflammatory statements by Indian leadership, warning that such rhetoric posed a serious threat to the already fragile regional peace.
Emphasizing the imperative of a just and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, the Prime Minister urged the Secretary-General to play an active role in facilitating its resolution to ensure enduring peace in South Asia.
The Secretary-General welcomed the ceasefire understanding and expressed condolences over the loss of civilian lives. He reaffirmed his commitment to continued engagement with both parties to promote regional peace and stability. Underscoring his responsibility to uphold international peace, he noted that global stability was a pressing necessity in today’s world.
