Amid escalating bilateral tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack which killed 26 Indian nationals, United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres dialled External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately on Tuesday and strongly condemned the incident.

Guterres expressed deep concern at the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, and highlighted the need to avoid a confrontation that could lead to tragic consequences.

“I just want to update you on the Secretary General’s phone calls this morning. In his phone calls, the Secretary General reiterated his strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir. The Secretary General noted the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means. The Secretary General offered his good offices to support any de-escalation efforts,” Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres’ spokesperson said at the daily press briefing on Tuesday.

The telephonic conversations come at a time when Pakistan claims it has “credible intelligence” regarding India’s plans to launch military action against them within the next 24-36 hours.

UN chief dials EAM Jaishankar

In a telephonic conversation with EAM S Jaishankar, Antonio Guterres condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, noting the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means while voicing deep concern at the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

“Received a call from @UN SG @antonioguterres. Appreciate his unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Agreed on the importance of accountability. India is resolved that the perpetrators, planners and backers of this attack are brought to justice,” Jaishankar posted on X.

UN chief speaks to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Taking to X, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said while speaking with Antonio Guterres, he pleaded for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident.

“Had a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres this evening. I reaffirmed Pakistan’s condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, rejected baseless Indian accusations, and called for a transparent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident. I urged the UN to play its role in resolving the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in line with UNSC resolutions. Pakistan remains committed to peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full force if challenged,” Sharif wrote on X.

The Pakistani Prime Minister recently expressed eagerness to participate in a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam attacks. Shehbaz made the remarks while addressing a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul.

He said, “The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt. Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.”

Pak federal minister warns “India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan”

In what could be seen as a bid to divert attention from Pakistan’s failure to curb terrorism, federal minister for information and broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, wrote on X, “Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident.”