ISLAMABAD — In an effort to mediate renewed hostilities between Pakistan and India, Iran’s Foreign Minister engaged in high-level discussions with Pakistani leaders, following last month’s tragic attack on tourists in Kashmir under Indian administration. The United Nations has also urged both countries to remain calm.
Abbas Araghchi, representing Iran, made his way to Islamabad on a diplomatic mission aimed at de-escalating tensions that surfaced after the April 22 incident, where 26 individuals—primarily Indian Hindu tourists—lost their lives in Pahalgam. India accuses Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, a claim Pakistan has firmly denied.
Iran has stepped in, offering to mediate between the two nuclear-armed nations, in hopes of easing this tense situation. Araghchi’s meetings with Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, highlighted Tehran’s peace initiatives, with the Pakistani officials expressing gratitude for Iran’s efforts. Araghchi is expected to visit India later in the week.
The U.N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, echoed a similar call for restraint on Monday, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions over military action. He declared the U.N.’s willingness to endorse any action contributing to de-escalation, diplomatic channels, and long-lasting peace commitments.
Pakistan has expressed readiness to participate in an international probe, although India has yet to accept this offer. Numerous global figures have encouraged restraint from both sides, urging them to prevent further conflict escalation.
The military alert level in Pakistan remains high, prompted by a warning from Cabinet Minister Attaullah Tarar of potential Indian aggression based on intelligence findings.
In the public arena, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated Pakistan’s commitment to restraint, emphasizing Pakistan’s preparedness to respond if India initiates hostilities. During discussions with Araghchi, he dismissed India’s allegations connecting Pakistan to the Kashmir attack. Dar also signaled openness to mediation, noting extensive dialogues with foreign dignitaries like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Dar announced that Pakistan would resist any provocations by India, vowing to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any perceived acts of aggression. Concurrently, Pakistan’s military claimed that Indian jets attempted to violate its airspace on April 29, forcing them to retreat. India’s response to these claims remains pending.
In an effort to address misinformation, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar organized a media tour to Bella Noor Shah near Muzaffarabad, a village alleged by India to host a militant training camp. Local residents refuted such claims.
India, responding to the accusations, has received international support. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the Pahalgam attack in talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi.
In military advancements, Pakistan announced a successful short-range missile test, following another missile test on Saturday. The Fatah missile, reaching 120 kilometers, was launched at an undisclosed site, with Pakistan stating such tests typically target sea or desert areas.
The Kashmir region remains a central point of contention between India and Pakistan, both claiming the territory in full and having engaged in multiple wars over it. The area has been a hotbed for militant activity, aiming to either align with Pakistan or seek independence.
Mushaal Hussein, spouse of imprisoned Kashmiri separatist leader Mohammed Yasin Malik, accused India of unjustly linking Pakistan to the tourist attack, expressing her views during a ceremonial event at the border.
In light of these rising tensions, both nations have taken diplomatic measures, including expelling diplomats and closing airspace. Additionally, Dar criticized India’s abrupt suspension of a crucial water-sharing treaty. In Indian-administered Kashmir, notably low water levels in the Chenab River have stirred discontent among residents, with some supporting Modi’s decision to hold Pakistan accountable.