Islamabad: Reactions from around the globe have poured in after India’s recent missile strikes on civilian areas in Pakistan’s Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with Pakistan swiftly retaliating.
President Donald Trump expressed concern over the developments, urging both nations to resolve their disputes through dialogue. “It’s a shame. Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past…. I hope it ends very quickly,” he remarked.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to the national security advisors of both countries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open communication lines and preventing further escalation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for maximum restraint from both sides. His spokesperson noted the UN chief’s worry over military operations across the Line of Control, stressing that the world cannot afford a military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed countries.
China’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret over India’s military actions and urged both sides to prioritize peace and stability. They called for both nations to remain calm and avoid actions that could worsen the situation.
The European Union echoed similar sentiments, calling for maximum restraint and highlighting the need to prevent further tensions.
In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions, warning of potential threats to regional and international peace.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, voiced strong concerns about the potential for further conflict, emphasizing the need for dialogue to ensure peace and stability in South Asia.
The recent airstrikes by India resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians and injured 46 others. The attacks, described as unprovoked, targeted areas including Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Muridke and Ahmadpur Sharqia. The strikes also destroyed two mosques and damaged infrastructure. The Pakistan Air Force responded by shooting down five Indian fighter jets and targeting several enemy positions.
(Source: Kashmir Media Service)