Nobel laureate and activist Malala Yousafzai has urged Pakistani and Indian leaders to de-escalate and not to fall prey to hatred and division amid sky-high tensions following Indian air strikes in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

“Hatred and violence are our common enemies, not each other,” she wrote on X. “I strongly urge leaders in India and Pakistan to take steps to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians — especially children — and unite against the forces of division.”

Malala also extended condolences to “the loved ones of all innocent victims in both countries”, adding that she is “thinking of all my friends and family — and all the educators, advocates and girls we work with — in Pakistan during this dangerous time”.

“The international community must act now to promote dialogue and diplomacy. Peace is the only way forward for our collective security and prosperity,” Malala wrote.

Separately, speaking to British broadcaster Sky News, Malala echoed her message, stating, “For Pakistan, India, our neighbouring countries, our common enemy is extremism, terrorism and violence, not each other.

“We have to unite against these forces trying to divide us and I hope that Pakistan and India, and the international community, will come together in this moment to try to de-escalate the tensions and promote peace [and] start a dialogue, because that is the only way forward for all of us,” she stated.