In response to escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The diplomatic outreach highlights Washington’s growing concern over rising instability in South Asia.
Shehbaz Urges US to Restrain India
During the phone call with Secretary Rubio on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the US to press India to de-escalate its rhetoric and act with restraint. Shehbaz expressed concern over what he termed India’s “provocative behavior,” calling it disappointing and harmful to regional stability.
He made it clear that India’s actions were undermining Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, especially from militant outfits like ISKP, TTP, and BLA that operate from across the Afghan border.
Pakistan Rejects India’s Accusations
Shehbaz firmly rejected India’s allegations linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack. He reiterated Islamabad’s demand for a neutral and transparent investigation. According to the prime minister, politicizing such incidents only deepens mistrust and distracts from the real threat of extremism.
He also criticized India’s reported moves to weaponize water resources, warning that such actions threaten the livelihoods of over 240 million Pakistanis. Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, he emphasized that neither country has the right to unilaterally abandon its commitments.
Read: Pakistan Flexes Military Muscle Near LoC Amid Tensions with India
Emphasis on Dialogue and Peace
The Pakistani leader called for a peaceful and just resolution to the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute, identifying it as key to lasting peace in South Asia. He also reminded the US of Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global war on terror, with over 90,000 lives lost.
Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to work closely with the US, highlighting seven decades of bilateral cooperation and his government’s recent economic reforms aimed at recovery.
Rubio’s Call to India
Later, Secretary Rubio spoke with India’s Jaishankar, expressing sorrow for the Pahalgam victims and urging India to engage constructively with Pakistan. He emphasized the need for calm and cooperation to prevent further escalation and maintain regional peace
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