Pakistan to uphold peace, protect sovereignty: PM tells UN chief

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke on the phone with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the recent tensions in South Asia. This was their third phone conversation in the last two weeks.

During the call, PM Shehbaz thanked Guterres for his leadership and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region, which had escalated due to what he called India’s “unprovoked and unjustified aggression” against Pakistan.

The prime minister appreciated the UN chief’s continued involvement, saying it showed his commitment to peace and to the values of the UN Charter. He said Pakistan agreed to the recent ceasefire in the interest of regional peace but remained firm in protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

PM Shehbaz criticised India’s actions, calling them baseless and dangerous, especially since they were justified on the false claim of targeting terrorism. He warned that such behavior could set a harmful precedent and urged the international community to take notice.

He also raised concern over provocative statements made by Indian leaders, saying such remarks threatened the already fragile peace in South Asia. PM Shehbaz stressed that a fair and lasting solution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue—based on UN Security Council resolutions—was essential for peace in the region. He urged the UN to play a role in resolving the long-standing dispute.

UN Secretary-General Guterres welcomed the ceasefire between the two countries and expressed sorrow over the loss of civilian lives. He said he would continue working with both Pakistan and India to promote peace and stability in the region. Guterres added that it was his duty to support international peace and prevent further conflict.

Following the phone call, PM Shehbaz posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I thanked UNSG @antonioguterres during my call to him today, for his leadership and intense diplomatic efforts that helped defuse the recent crisis in South Asia.”

He added, “While we exercised our right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Pakistan was committed to honouring the ceasefire in the greater interest of regional peace.”

The prime minister also said that Pakistan had shown responsible and measured behaviour in response to Indian aggression and would never allow any violation of its borders.