UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says Pakistan and India should maintain the “positive momentum” produced by Islamabad’s release of Indian fighter pilot and hold talks to defuse tensions.
The world body has been closely watching the South Asian situation as both countries remain locked in a perilous standoff in Kashmir since a February 14 militant attack in Pulwama– which India says was carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish e Mohammad – killed 40 Indian security personnel.
The UN and major powers have urged the two nuclear-armed South Asian countries to observe restraint.
India carried out an incursion into Pakistani territory to target an alleged hideout of JeM. Pakistan shot down two Indian planes and captured one of the pilots who ejected and landed on Pakistani side of the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region.
“His (UN chief’s) good offices remain available should both sides agree,” the Secretary-General’s Deputy Spokesman, Farhan Aziz Haq, said in a statement at the world body’s headquarters.
“We welcome the news of the Pakistani authorities releasing the captive Indian pilot today,” he said, referring to the release of Indian Air Force Wing Cmdr. Abhinandan Varthaman, whose war plane was shot down by Pakistani jets on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said Pakistan has freed the Indian pilot as a “peace gesture” but Indian PM Narendra Modi, who is contesting elections in a few months, has not reciprocated the Pakistani move.
“The Secretary-General calls on both parties to sustain this positive momentum and engage in further constructive dialogue,” Farhan Haq added.
