Pakistan Briefs UN Security Council on Regional Tensions Following Pahalgam Attack

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, addressed the UN Security Council (UNSC) in an emergency closed-door session on Monday, raising alarm over rising tensions in South Asia following the recent deadly incident in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The session, requested by Pakistan, was attended by all 15 UNSC member states, including the five permanent members. Ambassador Iftikhar categorically condemned the killing of 26 civilians in the Pahalgam tourist area, reaffirming Pakistan’s non-involvement and extending a call for an impartial international investigation to uncover the facts.

He emphasised that regional peace remains elusive without a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. “We believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only pathways to durable peace in South Asia,” said the ambassador.

Ambassador Iftikhar also voiced concern over recent unilateral moves by India, notably the reported suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He characterised the act as a breach of international obligations, calling it a worrying signal amid ongoing regional instability.

Members of the Security Council expressed condolences to the families of the victims and extended sympathies to the governments of India and Nepal. They unanimously condemned terrorism in all forms and emphasised that no cause can justify attacks on civilians.