Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres discussed on Monday the unfolding situation in South Asia.

This was the second telephone conversation between the two leaders within a week, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s House.

The prime minister appreciated the UN Secretary General’s continued engagement and outreach efforts and welcomed his call for de-escalation as well as the need to avoid any confrontation.

While reiterating his offer of an independent, transparent, neutral and credible investigation, the prime minister expressed his concern that India had yet to provide any evidence, and continues to resort to provocative rhetoric and war mongering.

PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The prime minister also expressed his serious concern at India’s attempts to politicise international financial institutions in an attempt to harm Pakistan’s economic interests.

The secretary general briefed the prime minister on his outreach efforts for peace and stability in the region and expressed his commitment to remain engaged with all interlocutors on the issue.

UN chief urges ‘maximum restraint’

Nuclear-armed foes Pakistan and India must exert “maximum restraint” and step back from the brink of war, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged earlier today.

Relations have reached “a boiling point,” Guterres told reporters in New York, adding that they were at their “highest in years.”

“It is also essential – especially at this critical hour – to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control,” the secretary-general warned.

“Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink.”

— With additional input from AFP.