Following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan. In response, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on both countries to exercise "maximum restraint" and avoid any actions that could worsen the situation. He also expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric shared the Secretary-General’s message during a press briefing on Thursday night, stating that the UN is closely monitoring developments in the region. Guterres urged both nations to act responsibly and prioritize peace.

"Recent retaliatory measures have significantly increased tensions between India and Pakistan," said Guterres. "We urge both sides to remain calm and exercise the highest level of restraint. We firmly believe that any dispute between the two countries should be resolved peacefully through meaningful dialogue and mutual engagement."

The renewed tensions follow a gun attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday, which left 26 people dead, including 25 Indian nationals. India blamed Pakistan for the attack and responded by canceling Pakistani visas, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and taking other diplomatic actions.

In retaliation, Pakistan announced its own set of measures, including suspending trade with India, canceling visas for Indian citizens, and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft. These tit-for-tat moves have heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, raising concerns within the international community.