UK calls for de-escalation, protection of civilians amid rising tension between India and Pakistan
'Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain,' says Keir Starmer
LONDON
Amid a dramatic rise in tension between India and Pakistan, the British premier said Wednesday they are engaging with both countries as well as other international partners to encourage dialogue and de-escalation.
"Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain," Keir Starmer said during weekly Prime Minister's Questions in parliament.
Saying that the UK is engaging urgently with both countries as well as other international partners, the prime minister said he is encouraging dialogue, de-escalation, and the protection of civilians.
Separately, Foreign Secretary David Lammy also expressed "serious concern" over the tension between the two countries.
"The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward," he said in a statement.
Lammy said he has "made clear" to his counterparts in India and Pakistan that if this escalates further, nobody wins.
Saying that the UK is clear in its condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last month, Lammy added that they need all sides to work urgently to see regional stability restored and ensure the protection of civilians.
He called on British nationals in the region to follow the Foreign Office's travel advice for the country they are in, along with the advice of the local authorities.
Overnight, India said it had launched strikes on cities in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what it called “nine terrorist locations.”
Some 31 people, including five in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, were killed and another 46 were injured in the strikes, the Pakistani army said. It added that six places were hit by Indian missiles.
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.
The Indian government alleged Pakistani involvement in the attack, citing cross-border connections, while Pakistan firmly denied any role in the killings.
