United Nations, April 26, 2025:
In a powerful statement, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has "condemned in the strongest terms" the terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, killing at least 26 civilians, including one Nepali national, and injuring many others.
In a press statement issued late Friday, the 15-nation Council emphasized the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of the "reprehensible act of terrorism" accountable and bring them to justice. The statement urged all countries to actively cooperate with relevant authorities under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
The press statement, a declaration made by the Council President on behalf of all members, was issued by Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, France’s Permanent Representative to the UN, who holds the Council’s presidency for April. It is reported that the United States initiated the draft of the statement, which was later discussed and agreed upon by all members, including Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the Council.
The Council members also conveyed their "deepest sympathy and condolences" to the families of the victims and to the governments of India and Nepal, wishing a "speedy and full recovery" to the injured. Most victims of the attack were tourists from across India.
The UNSC reiterated that terrorism in all forms and manifestations remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. It emphasized that acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation or origin.
The statement reaffirmed the urgent need for all nations to combat terrorism through all lawful means, in line with the UN Charter and obligations under international law, including human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law.
Separately, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, also condemned the attack during a daily briefing, expressing "deep concern" over the situation between India and Pakistan. He urged both governments to exercise "maximum restraint" to prevent further escalation.
Responding to a question about potential high-level diplomatic engagements once the Secretary-General returns from attending Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome, Dujarric said, "I hope to have something to share with you" regarding communication with Indian and Pakistani leaders.
Rejecting suggestions that the UN was not paying adequate attention to the situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, Dujarric stressed, "We are paying very close attention."
The attack has drawn international condemnation and once again spotlighted the volatile security situation in the Kashmir region.
