LONDON 

British Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer Wednesday called on faith and community leaders to help bring British Pakistani and British Indian communities together, as tensions escalate between India and Pakistan.

Delivering a statement to the House of Commons, Falconer acknowledged the emotional impact the situation is having across the UK and stressed the importance of unity during this sensitive time.

"I'm acutely aware, Mr Speaker, that for many communities across the UK and indeed members across this House, this is a very personal and sensitive situation," Falconer told MPs.

He went on to highlight the vital role played by British South Asian communities, adding: "The British Pakistani and British Indian communities make a huge contribution to this country. We recognize this will be a difficult time for many."

"We look to all community and faith leaders to spread a message that now is a time for coming together across religious and ethnic differences."

While much of Falconer's statement echoed earlier remarks by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, his direct appeal to UK communities marked a significant extension of the government's message.

Falconer also confirmed that he has been in contact with officials at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, who are "working with impacted communities in the UK."

The escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors comes in the wake of an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir in which 26 people were killed. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, claiming there were cross-border links. Pakistan denied that it had anything to do with the killings.

In a separate statement, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry called the Indian attack an "unprovoked and blatant act of war" and a violation of its sovereignty.

Separately, Pakistan's Punjab province, which has a border with India, declared a state of emergency and ordered the closure of all educational institutions Wednesday. Schools were also closed in the capital Islamabad.