UN Chief Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges India-Pakistan Restraint Amid Rising Tensions

New Delhi / United Nations, May 5, 2025 — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 tourists, on April 22. The UN Chief called the targeting of civilians “unacceptable in all circumstances” and urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalate.

In a carefully worded statement issued on Monday, Guterres expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and reiterated that those responsible for the attack must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means.

“Civilians Must Never Be Targeted”: UN Chief

Speaking on the emotional and geopolitical aftermath of the attack, the Secretary-General said, “I understand the strong emotions following the horrific attack in Pahalgam. I reiterate that civilians must never be targeted under any circumstance, and those accountable must face justice.”

He emphasized that military confrontation is not a solution and called on both nations to avoid missteps. “Both sides must avoid miscalculation. There is no military solution to this crisis,” he added.

UN Offers to Support Peace Initiatives

Guterres further stated that the United Nations is ready to support any initiative aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting diplomacy and peace in the region. “We stand ready to support all efforts that reduce tensions and promote a renewed commitment to peace,” he said.

The statement is viewed as a significant diplomatic intervention amid mounting fears of an armed conflict following recent cross-border firing incidents and intensified military preparedness on both sides.

India on High Alert: PMO Holds Strategic Meetings

In response to the April 22 attack, the Indian government has taken multiple measures, both diplomatically and militarily. In a series of high-level meetings at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), top defence officials, including Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India’s operational readiness.

Last week, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi also met the Prime Minister, discussing maritime strategy and security in the Arabian Sea, where Indian forces remain on high alert in response to Pakistani naval drills.

MHA Orders Nationwide Mock Drills

In a rare move, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all Indian states to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7, a practice last seen during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. These exercises will include:

• Simulated air raid sirens

• Civilian protection training

• Evacuation rehearsals

• Safeguarding of critical installations

The drills are intended to prepare citizens and authorities for any emergency scenarios amid the worsening regional security situation.

Diplomatic Fallout and India’s Warning

India has maintained that the Pahalgam attack was orchestrated with cross-border support, and Prime Minister Modi has vowed to deliver strict retribution. In the attack, 26 individuals were killed, sparking outrage across the country and calls for decisive action.

The government has since adopted multiple punitive steps, including diplomatic isolation of Pakistan, economic measures, and enhanced border surveillance. Pakistan, meanwhile, has responded with repeated ceasefire violations, further fueling concerns of escalation.

Outlook

As international attention sharpens on South Asia, the UN’s intervention could serve as a catalyst for diplomacy, though both India and Pakistan remain firm on their respective national security doctrines. With military and civil preparedness intensifying on both sides, the region stands at a pivotal moment where the next decisions could significantly impact peace and stability in South Asia.