Amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, the international community has stepped forward to calm the rising tensions and promote peace, stability in the region. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has also announced visit to Pakistan on Friday.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio telephoned Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Marco Rubio urged both leaders to exercise restraint and open the doors for bilateral talks between both nations.

Marco Rubio speaks with PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has conveyed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Pakistan reserves the right to respond in self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter following India’s recent missile and drone attacks.

During a telephonic conversation on Thursday, Secretary Rubio contacted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the rapidly deteriorating security situation in South Asia. The Prime Minister strongly condemned India’s unprovoked missile and drone strikes, which he said had resulted in the martyrdom of 31 civilians, injuries to 57 others, and damage to civilian infrastructure.

Shehbaz Sharif underscored that India’s aggression was a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that it posed a grave threat to peace and stability across the South Asian region. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs and noted that the Pakistani people are outraged by India’s unprovoked military actions.

The Prime Minister clearly stated that under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Pakistan retains the inherent right to take action in self-defence.

Appreciating US President Donald Trump’s concern over the current regional security dynamics, Shehbaz welcomed Washington’s continued engagement in efforts to de-escalate tensions.

On his part, Secretary Rubio emphasised that the United States is closely monitoring the situation in South Asia and remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region. He urged both Pakistan and India to work together to de-escalate tensions and agreed to maintain open lines of communication moving forward.

US Secretary of State in conversation with S. Jaishankar

Amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, the United States has launched diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaching out to both sides.

According to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Secretary Rubio held a phone call with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging New Delhi to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.

This follows an earlier call between Secretary Rubio and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the US expressed concern over regional stability and emphasised the need for both countries to resolve their differences through dialogue.

The US has reiterated its commitment to regional peace and continues to engage with both nuclear-armed neighbours to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in South Asia.

Adel al-Jubeir to visit Pakistan tomorrow

Meanwhile, in light of the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow.

During his visit, the Saudi Minister will meet with his Pakistani counterpart as well as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Earlier today, the visiting dignitary was in the Indian capital, New Delhi.

The international community is actively engaged in efforts to de-escalate Pakistan-India tensions. Prior to this, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also arrived in Pakistan on an official visit.

During his stay, the Iranian Foreign Minister held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and other senior officials.