UN Security Council slams Kashmir terror attack, calls for swift justice

In a powerful and unequivocal response, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has condemned "in the strongest terms" the brutal terrorist attack that struck Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, killing 26 civilians — including 25 Indians and one Nepali tourist — and injuring many others.

In a press statement issued on April 25, the 15-member Council emphasized the urgent need to hold the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of this "reprehensible act of terrorism" fully accountable.

"The members of the Security Council stressed that those responsible for these killings must be brought to justice," the statement declared, urging all states to actively cooperate with relevant authorities, in line with international law and Security Council resolutions.

The strongly-worded statement, negotiated and unanimously agreed upon by all Council members — including Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member — was initiated from a draft proposed by the United States. France, holding the Council presidency for April, formally released the statement through Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont.

Expressing profound sympathy and condolences to the victims' families, and to the governments of India and Nepal, the UNSC reaffirmed that terrorism in all forms and manifestations remains one of the gravest threats to international peace and security. It reiterated that acts of terrorism are "criminal and unjustifiable," regardless of motive, location, or perpetrator.

Reinforcing international solidarity against terrorism, the Council called on all nations to fulfill their obligations under the UN Charter and international law, including human rights, refugee, and humanitarian laws, to confront threats posed by terrorist acts.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres' spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, voiced "deep concern" over the volatile situation between India and Pakistan.

Speaking at the daily briefing in New York, Dujarric condemned the Pahalgam attack and urged both governments to exercise "maximum restraint" to prevent further escalation.

When asked whether the Secretary-General — attending the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome — planned direct engagement with Indian and Pakistani leadership, Dujarric indicated that updates would be shared in due course.

He also pushed back firmly against suggestions that the UN was underestimating the gravity of the tensions, stating, "We are paying very close attention to the situation between India and Pakistan."

The unified message from the Security Council sends a clear signal: the international community stands resolutely against terror — and demands justice for its victims.