Pahalgam Terror Attack: UN Chief Warns of “Catastrophic Consequences” Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Antonio Guterres speaks with Jaishankar and Sharif after Pahalgam terror attack, calls for lawful justice and restraint to prevent regional crisis.

New York [US], April 30:
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating situation and warned that any confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours could lead to “catastrophic consequences.”

At a UN briefing on Tuesday, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed that Guterres had held separate phone calls with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Secretary-General strongly condemned the April 22 attack and emphasized the need for justice and accountability through lawful means.

“The Secretary-General reiterated strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack… He expressed his deep concern at the rising tension between India and Pakistan, and underscored the need to avoid confrontation that could result in tragic consequences,” said Dujarric.

Guterres offered the UN’s “good offices” to support any efforts aimed at de-escalation, noting that the world “cannot afford” a full-blown crisis between the two South Asian nations.

“The region and the world cannot afford a confrontation between India and Pakistan, which would be catastrophic,” Dujarric warned.

In response to Guterres’ outreach, EAM Jaishankar thanked the UN chief for his “unequivocal condemnation” of the terror strike and reiterated India’s firm stance that “the perpetrators, planners and backers of the Pahalgam attack must be brought to justice.”

Meanwhile, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif continued to deny any involvement and used his conversation with Guterres to call for a “neutral and transparent” probe into the incident.

“I reaffirmed Pakistan’s condemnation of terrorism… and called for a transparent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan remains committed to peace but will defend its sovereignty with full force if challenged,” Sharif posted on X.

The diplomatic exchanges come amid India’s recent countermeasures against Pakistan, including expulsions of diplomats, visa cancellations, and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Tensions remain high as the global community watches closely for signs of escalation or a pathway to resolution.