The United Nations Security Council has discussed rising tensions between India and Pakistan at closed-door consultations where envoys called for de-escalation and dialogue.
After the closed-door meeting, that lasted about an hour and a half, Pakistan claimed that its own objectives were “largely served”.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that while Pakistan does not seek confrontation, “we are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
Pakistan also raised the issue of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. “Water is life, not a weapon. These rivers sustain over 240 million Pakistanis,” he said.
Ahmad said at the meeting Pakistan reiterated its “commitment to peaceful, cooperative relations with all our neighbours, including India”. “We remain open to dialogue based on mutual respect and sovereign equality,” he added.
