New York: Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has warned of escalating tensions in South Asia, citing India's recent "unilateral and unjust" actions and "provocative public statements" as a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
Speaking at a press briefing with the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA), Ambassador Ahmad highlighted that the steps announced by the Indian government on April 23, along with subsequent rhetoric, have significantly heightened tensions. He emphasized that credible intelligence suggests the possibility of Indian military action against Pakistan, particularly in the charged atmosphere following the recent Pahalgam incident in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
"We have briefed the UN Secretary-General, Presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council, members of the OIC group in New York, and our fellow Security Council members," said Ahmad. "We have conveyed our concerns and our position clearly."
He strongly criticized India’s conduct, stating, “India’s provocative and dangerous behavior—disregarding international law and regional stability—can have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences.”
Ambassador Ahmad reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stating, “Pakistan does not seek escalation, but we are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He affirmed that in case of Indian aggression, Pakistan will exercise its legitimate right to self-defense under the UN Charter.
He also condemned India’s attempt to link Pakistan with the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, noting that even ten days after the incident, New Delhi has failed to provide any credible evidence regarding the perpetrators. “Pakistan categorically rejects any attempts to associate it with the Pahalgam attack,” he said, adding that Pakistan denounces all forms of terrorism and considers targeting innocent civilians as unjustifiable.
Additionally, he expressed grave concern over India’s "irresponsible" move to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a historic and legally binding agreement brokered by the World Bank. Ahmad warned that such actions threaten regional stability and violate international norms.
Concluding his remarks, the Pakistani envoy stressed that the root cause of conflict and instability in South Asia remains the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute. "Sustainable peace in the region is not possible without a just and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people," he stated.
