Pakistan’s Envoy discusses regional situation with UN Chief Antonio Guterres

As tensions grow between India and Pakistan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday. They discussed the current situation in South Asia and the need to reduce tensions in the region.

A press release from the Pakistan Mission to the UN said that both sides talked about the security challenges and ongoing efforts for peace and stability.

“The Ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability,” the statement added.

Earlier in the day, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric was asked if Guterres would visit India and Pakistan, considering the rising tensions.

Dujarric said that the UN chief had already spoken with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar after a recent armed attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

“The Secretary-General offered his good offices for peace talks,” Dujarric explained.

“But he will not travel unless both countries agree to it.”

A journalist also asked why the UN chief didn’t step in directly, especially after India’s controversial remarks comparing its Kashmir strategy to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

In response, the spokesman said that the UN Secretary-General has done his part by talking to both countries and offering help. He confirmed the UN is closely watching the situation.

The meeting shows that the United Nations is aware of the seriousness of the crisis and is ready to help if both sides agree.