UNITED NATIONS, Thursday, April 24, 2025 (WNP): United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Pakistan and India to exercise “maximum restraint” following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that has significantly heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Speaking at the daily press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General is “closely following the situation with great concern” and emphasized the need to avoid further escalation.

According to media reports, at least 26 people were killed in a gun attack near the tourist town of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday. The assault has sparked a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations.

Guterres condemned the attack on Wednesday, extending condolences to the victims and their families. In the aftermath, India announced a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including the unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of key border crossings, the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, and the cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals, with some ordered to leave within 48 hours.

Pakistan, denying any involvement in the attack, responded by suspending all visa exemptions for Indian nationals, expelling Indian diplomats, and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft.

When asked whether the UN chief had established direct contact with the leadership of either country, Dujarric confirmed that no such communication had yet taken place.

“The Secretary-General continues to urge both countries to resolve their differences peacefully and through meaningful, mutual engagement,” Dujarric said.

Responding to a question about India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—a landmark water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank—Dujarric said such actions fall under the UN’s broader call for restraint. “We appeal for no steps to be taken that could further escalate an already tense situation,” he said.

The UN has long encouraged dialogue between India and Pakistan to address outstanding disputes, particularly over Kashmir, a flashpoint that has triggered multiple conflicts between the two countries since 1947.