Saturday, July 11, 2026

UN chief warns India, Pakistan against military confrontation

Mr Guterres expressed deep concern over deteriorating relations between the two South Asian neighbours, saying they had reached “their highest in years.”

• May 6, 2025
António Guterres
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (Photo Credit: Twitter)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for “maximum restraint” from India and Pakistan.

While addressing journalists at the Security Council in UN Headquarters in New York, he warned that escalating tensions over a recent deadly terror attack in Kashmir risk spiralling into military confrontation.

Mr Guterres expressed deep concern over deteriorating relations between the two South Asian neighbours, saying they had reached “their highest in years.”

He reiterated his condemnation of the April 22 terror attack in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir, which killed at least 26 civilians and injured many more.

“Targeting civilians is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means.

“It is also essential, especially at this critical hour, to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control,” Mr Guterres said.

India and Pakistan both administer parts of Kashmir but claim the territory in full.

The Security Council was due to meet behind closed doors later to discuss the rising tensions between the two nations.

The UN chief offered his good offices to both governments to help de-escalate tensions and promote diplomacy, stressing that “a military solution is no solution.”

“Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink,” he said.

Mr Guterres praised both countries for their long-standing contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. He hoped their shared cooperation history could form the basis for renewed dialogue.

“The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace,” he said.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Police

NationWide

Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies

She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”

Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa

Education

Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university

Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.

Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA)

Lagos

Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration

Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.

Collapsed building

States

Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano

The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.

Justice Lateef Fagbemi

NationWide

FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption

Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.

Nigerians alighting from Air Peace plane from South Africa.

Heading 2

FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa

“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.