UNSC Urges Restraint After Pahalgam Attack Sparks India-Pakistan Tensions

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened a closed-door session on Monday to address the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. The 90-minute meeting, initiated at Pakistan’s request, saw envoys advocating for restraint and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the volatile situation.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, emphasized that the consultations aimed to facilitate discussions on the worsening security environment and rising hostilities between the two nations. He called for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack, a demand echoed by Pakistan’s leadership.

No official statement was issued by the UNSC following the meeting, reflecting the complexity of the issue. The council’s deliberations highlighted concerns over the potential for further conflict in the region, with diplomats stressing the need for de-escalation to maintain stability.

The attack, attributed to Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), has intensified bilateral strains. India has responded with punitive measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and banning Pakistani imports. The UNSC’s call for calm comes amid these retaliatory actions and ongoing ceasefire violations along the Line of Control.