Neighbors urged to exercise restraint

UNITED NATIONS — "Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on the tensions between India and Pakistan, on Monday.

"Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years," the UN chief told reporters.

"And so it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point," he added.

Guterres once again strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. "Targeting civilians is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means," he said.

The UN chief stressed that it was essential, "especially at this critical hour, to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control", and "now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink".

"That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries," said Guterres. "The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace," he said.

In another diplomatic effort, Iran's foreign minister held talks with top Pakistani officials on Monday to try to mediate in the escalation.

Abbas Araghchi's visit to Islamabad was the first by a foreign dignitary since the latest tensions flared.

Peace efforts

Araghchi held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who thanked him for his peace efforts, according to government statements. Araghchi will also visit India this week, according to Pakistani state-run media.

Araghchi also reiterated Teheran's strong desire to expand bilateral ties with Pakistan across all domains.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam in the India-controlled Kashmir on April 22.

The two countries have shut their land borders, suspended trade, and closed their airspace to each other's airlines, and there have been exchanges of small-arms fire across the frontier.

On Monday, Pakistan carried out a second missile test in three days and India said it ordered several states to conduct security drills, as fears mounted that the neighbors could be heading to a confrontation.

India's interior ministry asked several states to conduct mock security drills on Wednesday to ensure civil preparedness, a government source told Reuters on Monday. They did not say which states.

The drills will include air raid warning sirens, evacuation plans and training people to respond in case of any attacks, said the source, who asked not to be named.

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told journalists there was no communication channel open with India at the moment.

Xinhua - Agencies