World community at UN wants deescalation of tensions: Maleeha Lodhi

NEW YORK: Pakistani Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi briefed the United Nations about the continuing tensions resulting from India’s aggression against Pakistan, despite Prime Minister Imran Khan’s peace gesture in announcing the release of captive Indian pilot.

“The onus now is on India to de-escalate the situation”, she said in an interview with APP after a meeting with Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti , chief of staff of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres Thursday evening

“Pakistan now expects India to make a reciprocal gesture and respond to the offer for a dialogue,” she said.

Following the Feb. 14 Pulwama incident, Prime Minister Khan offered investigation if “actionable” evidence was provided but none has been forthcoming. He also proposed discussions and dialogue, but India responded by launching an attack on Pakistan in violation of UN Charter and international law, posing a threat to international peace and security.

The prime minister’s decision to free the Indian pilot, whose war plane was shot down by Pakistani jets on Wednesday, has been welcomed by the UN chief and countries around the world.

But Ambassador Lodhi said the situation on the ground remained tense and India has yet to start a process of de-escalation.

She said it was clear to her during her meetings with representative of various countries that the international community wants to see a calming of tensions, which is what Pakistani wants.