United Nations, May 5: Amid a sharp escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a grave appeal for both nations to exercise “maximum restraint” and avoid any actions that could lead to a military confrontation. Stressing that “a military solution is no solution,” Guterres emphasized the urgent need for diplomacy and de-escalation.
In a strongly worded statement released just ahead of a closed-door consultation of the United Nations Security Council—convened at Pakistan’s request to address the rising hostilities—Guterres expressed deep concern, stating, “Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years.”
The Secretary-General, while acknowledging the vital role both India and Pakistan have played in the work of the United Nations, including their long-standing and valued contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, said it was deeply painful to witness bilateral relations deteriorating to such a dangerous level.
“I profoundly respect the Government and the people of both countries,” Guterres said. “Their history, culture, and contribution to global peace and stability are well recognized. And so, it pains me to see their relationship reach a boiling point.”
Offering the UN’s support in defusing the situation, he reiterated the readiness of the world body to facilitate dialogue, stating, “The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace.”
Referring to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people—most of them innocent tourists—Guterres expressed his sorrow and unequivocal condemnation of the incident. “I understand the raw emotions stirred by this awful terror attack. Such acts of violence are heinous and inexcusable. Civilians must never be targeted. Those responsible must be held accountable through credible and lawful means.”
However, the UN chief cautioned that while the desire for justice is natural, the response must not plunge the region into further instability. “This is a critical moment. Escalation, especially a military one, could easily spiral out of control with devastating consequences. The path forward must be one of dialogue, not destruction.”
“Now is the time,” he urged, “for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink.”
Guterres’s appeal comes at a moment of high alert in South Asia, as the Pahalgam terror attack triggered an outpouring of anger in India and a sharp deterioration in diplomatic ties with Pakistan. India, in response, has suspended aspects of the Indus Waters Treaty and taken measures to restrict water flow to Pakistan from the Chenab River, which has added a new layer of tension to an already volatile situation.
The UN Security Council is expected to deliberate on the India-Pakistan situation in the coming hours, though no formal outcome is anticipated at this stage. Nevertheless, the Secretary-General’s intervention underscores the seriousness with which the international community views the risk of escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Diplomatic observers say that while both countries have historically experienced periods of hostility, the current situation is particularly fraught due to the combination of terrorist violence, public outrage, and strategic retaliatory measures.
As the region holds its breath, the global call for restraint grows louder—with Guterres’s statement serving as a crucial reminder that peace remains possible, but only if both sides choose the path of dialogue over confrontation.