The Council stressed the importance of global cooperation to ensure those responsible for the “heinous act of terrorism” are brought to justice. However, unlike the 2019 Pulwama attack statement — where the UNSC had urged all nations to work directly with the “Government of India” — this time, the call was made only to “all relevant authorities,” noticeably softening the language.
The UNSC emphasized the need for international cooperation to bring the perpetrators of the “reprehensible act of terrorism” to justice. However, unlike its 2019 Pulwama statement — where the Council had urged all states to work closely with the “Government of India” — this time, it simply called upon “all relevant authorities,” noticeably toning down the language.
Pak-China Push to Soften the Wording
Sources reveal that the final statement, originally proposed by the US, came after tough negotiations, with Pakistan and China pushing to dilute the phrasing.
Previously, in similar condemnations like the Pulwama attack and Pakistan’s own Jaffar Express bombing, the UNSC had specifically urged cooperation with the local government — not just unnamed “authorities.”
Islamabad likely feared that a direct mention of the Indian government would give New Delhi a stronger diplomatic advantage. Instead of backing Indian investigations, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif called for a “neutral and transparent” probe into the Pahalgam incident.
Key Differences from Pulwama Condemnation
In its statement, the UNSC condemned the Pahalgam attack “in the strongest terms” as a terrorist act in Jammu & Kashmir.
For Pulwama, the Council had used even stronger words, condemning the “heinous and cowardly suicide bombing.”
However, in both cases, the UNSC reaffirmed that terrorism in all forms is one of the gravest threats to international peace and security, and that the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors must be brought to justice.
UN Calls for Restraint
Meanwhile, a UN spokesperson said the organization continues to monitor the situation in the region “with very deep concern” and urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation.
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