ISLAMABAD –
The Pakistani government has formally informed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of its right to respond to India’s recent military strikes, citing provisions under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Pakistan’s Official Statement
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that the country reserves the right to defend itself and respond to any act of aggression “as it deems necessary.” The statement follows India’s missile strikes on multiple locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province, which New Delhi claims were aimed at terrorist infrastructure.
UN Calls for Restraint
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint, warning that escalating tensions could lead to further instability in the region. The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the situation in a closed-door session.
International Reactions
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following India’s missile strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions, with several world leaders calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution. The United States, China, and Russia have expressed concerns over the rising conflict and urged both nations to seek diplomatic solutions.
United Nations Response
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint, warning that a military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed countries could have devastating consequences.
United States Reaction
U.S. President Donald Trump called the situation “a shame”, expressing hope for a swift resolution. He acknowledged the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan and emphasized the need for de-escalation.
United Nations Security Council Meeting
The UN Security Council held a closed-door meeting on May 5 to discuss the crisis. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, stated that Pakistan is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty, while other envoys called for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
China and Russia’s Position
Both China and Russia have urged diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. A Russian diplomat stated that Moscow hopes for de-escalation, while China has called for both sides to resolve the issue through dialogue.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan has vowed to retaliate at a time and place of its choosing, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemning India’s “cowardly attack” and promising a resolute response.
India’s Justification
India maintains that its strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” targeting terrorist infrastructure rather than Pakistani military facilities.
The situation remains fluid, with world leaders closely monitoring developments.
