On Thursday, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India following recent cross-border strikes.
During the conversation, Prime Minister Sharif strongly condemned India’s missile and drone attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians, injuries to 57 others, and significant damage to civilian infrastructure. He asserted that India’s unprovoked aggression constituted a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and posed a grave threat to regional peace and stability in South Asia.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to defending its national sovereignty, the Prime Minister emphasized the country's right to respond in self-defense, as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. He conveyed the deep outrage felt across Pakistan over what he described as “acts of war” by India.
Prime Minister Sharif also expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump’s concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in South Asia, noting the importance of international engagement in promoting de-escalation.
Secretary Rubio reiterated that the United States is closely monitoring developments in the region and remains committed to fostering peace and stability. He emphasized the need for both Pakistan and India to take steps to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation.
Both sides agreed to maintain close communication in the coming days as the situation evolves.