US, UK urge India, Pakistan to avoid escalation

WASHINGTON/LONDON (92 News) – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid escalation at any cost. According to a statement released by the US State Department, the US Secretary of State contacted Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, encouraging them to prioritize direct communication and avoid further military activity. In a statement issued by the PM Office, United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May urged both Pakistan and India to de-escalate tension through dialogue and diplomatic solution. The UK PM urged both the countries to “exercise restraint” and voiced her concern over the rising tensions between the two nuclear armed neighbours. Prime Minister May said that London is deeply concerned by the recent military escalation over the last two days. “We are in regular contact with both countries [Pakistan and India], urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability,” the statement reads. The UK PM said that the UK is working closely with international partners through the UN Security Council to de-escalate tensions. A US-based Sikh advocacy group, Sikhs For Justice, has denounced Indian violations of Pakistani airspace. In a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the group said the overseas Sikhs will stand by Pakistan in thwarting the Indian aggression. The group said that at this critical juncture, Sikhs from North America, Europe, Australia and elsewhere stand in solidarity with Pakistan. They said Sikhs have many sacred places in Pakistan, including Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib and Panja Sahib. They said Sikhs around the globe appreciate the hospitality and care demonstrated by Pakistan to the Sikh community and their religious places. They expressed the hope that better sense would prevail upon India and it would resolve the Kashmir issue by holding plebiscite, instead of resorting to violence against freedom- seeking people.