Islamabad (TDI): Islamabad on Sunday welcomed remarks by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres regarding the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, describing it a major step toward lasting peace in South Asia.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan expressed gratitude for the UN chief’s comments, echoing his view that the ceasefire contributes positively to fostering a stable and peaceful environment in the region.
Reaffirming its long-standing position, Islamabad stressed that a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute remains central to achieving lasting peace in South Asia.
The statement reiterated Islamabad’s call for a resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
“Pakistan attaches high importance to the UN role in promoting peace and stability in the region,” the Foreign Office said, highlighting Islamabad’s commitment to constructive and result-oriented dialogue rooted in the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Pakistan and India on Saturday agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the US in a dramatic turn of events, preventing a wider war between the two nuclear armed South Asian neighbors.
Read More: Pakistan Re-establishes Deterrence Against India: Armed Forces
Pakistan in the wee hours of Saturday launched a barrage of missile attacks through air and surface, hitting 26 military installations across India. Islamabad had promised retaliation after New Delhi conducted a series of missile strikes hitting deep inside Pakistan. The attacks martyred 26 innocent civilians.
The tipping point, however, was India’s missile attacks on airbases, including Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi on Friday night. The base is not only a major logistic base but is used for VVIP movements.
Read More: India, Pakistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire, President Trump
Soon after the Indian missile attacks, Pakistan launched a massive strike that stunned India and wiped out its multiple airbases and airfields.
At that point, world capitals realized that the situation had reached a very dangerous point. As people woke up to more missile and drone exchanges between the two nations, diplomacy was already at work which succeeded in securing the ceasefire.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
