United Nations has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint as the two countries impose tit-for-tat diplomatic measures in response to the armed attack that killed at least 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir.
“We call on both governments to exercise maximum restraint and ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in remarks reported by Channel News Asia in its English-language edition on Friday.
He expressed his belief that any differences between Pakistan and India can be resolved peacefully through joint talks. India has announced the downgrading of diplomatic relations with Pakistan, the suspension of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, and the closure of the main border crossing between the two countries, holding Islamabad responsible for the attack that took place two days ago in the Pahalgam area of Indian-administered Kashmir.
This prompted Pakistan to announce the immediate closure of the Wagah border crossing and the suspension of all cross-border operations from India via this route.
It also announced the cancellation of visa exemption for Indian citizens under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) visa waiver program, which allows visa-free travel between member states.
It also announced its intention to reduce the number of staff at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to 30 diplomats and staff, effective April 30, in addition to the immediate closure of Pakistani airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines, and the suspension of all commercial transactions with India.
