UN Sec Gen Makes Mediation Offer to India, Pak

Web Desk: United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made a mediation offer between Pakistan and India.

Following a recent incident in Indian-held Jammu and Kashmir, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between the two neighboring atomic powers. He stated that he will support any effort to reduce tensions and restart dialogue between the two countries.

Talking to mediapersons, UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Aziz Haq said that the Secretary-General believes that even complex issues can be resolved peacefully through meaningful and constructive dialogue.

He added that the United Nations is ready to support any initiative aimed at reducing tensions and promoting dialogue between India and Pakistan.

According to media reports, 26 people were killed in the Pahalgam incident on April 22. Following this, India announced several actions against Pakistan, including the unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, closure of border crossings, expulsion of diplomats, and an order for some Pakistani visa holders to leave the country within 48 hours.

In response, Pakistan suspended its visa facilitation scheme for India, expelled some Indian diplomats, and closed its airspace to Indian flights.

When asked about the role of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), Farhan Haq clarified that the group was not present at the site of the attack. However, he stated that the military observer mission continues to carry out its mandate.

It is worth noting that Pakistan allows UN observers to operate along the Line of Control, while India does not. Based in Rawalpindi, the mission consists of 44 military observers and 75 civilian staff members (25 international and 49 local).