UNITED NATIONS, May 10 (WSH) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, expressing hope that the move will lead to sustained peace and regional stability.
A Step Back from Escalation
The announcement follows days of heightened tensions after a deadly attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir, where gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists, killing at least 26 and injuring many more. The incident further inflamed relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, who both claim the disputed Himalayan territory in full.
In the week following the attack, fears of open military conflict surged. Speaking earlier, Guterres had warned that tensions were “at their highest level in years” and called for maximum restraint on all sides.
Ceasefire and Cautious Optimism
The ceasefire deal—believed to have been brokered with U.S. mediation—was jointly announced by officials from India, Pakistan, and the United States across social media platforms. Reports of public celebrations followed in both countries. However, scattered reports of skirmishes, including drone incidents, continue to raise concerns.
In a statement released Saturday, the UN Secretary-General described the ceasefire as “a positive step toward ending the current hostilities,” adding that the United Nations stands ready to support further efforts to foster dialogue and resolve longstanding issues.
“We hope this agreement contributes to lasting peace and fosters an environment conducive to addressing broader challenges between India and Pakistan,” said Guterres.
