UN chief calls for 'meaningful' engagement between India and Pakistan

Published February 21, 2019
This is the second statement issued by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres after the Pulwama attack. — File
This is the second statement issued by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres after the Pulwama attack. — File

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Geterres called upon India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through "meaningful mutual engagement".

This is the second statement issued by the UN secretary general on the rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of a suicide bombing attack in Pulwama district of Indian-occupied Kashmir. More than 40 Indian paramilitaries were killed in the attack, said to be claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Guterres condemned the attack yet again and said that the perpetrators of the attack should be brought to justice.

On Tuesday, Guterres had urged both countries to "exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions". He offered his "good offices" to ease tensions.

Tensions rose between the neighbouring countries after India held Pakistan responsible for the attack and hinted at military action. Pakistan strongly denied the allegations, calling for investigation and expressed grave concern.

Opinion

Editorial

Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...
Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.