Washington: Amid escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation on Friday with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, urging both nations to pursue de-escalation and offering US assistance in facilitating constructive dialogue to prevent further conflict.
According to a statement attributed to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio emphasised the importance of restraint and reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in the region.
The call comes in the wake of a series of retaliatory strikes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, triggered by a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22, which left 26 people dead. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based terrorists, leading to heightened military actions on both sides.
In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting nine sites in Pakistan and PoK, including terrorist camps in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad. Pakistan retaliated with “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,” striking Indian military installations without much success.
The escalating conflict has resulted in civilian casualties. Both nations have engaged in artillery exchanges along the Line of Control, and there have been reports of drone and missile attacks targeting military and civilian infrastructure.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the situation. The G7 nations and Saudi Arabia have called for immediate de-escalation and urged both countries to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
General Asim Munir, who has been Pakistan’s army chief since 2022, is known for his hardline stance on India and regional terrorism. His leadership is under intense scrutiny as he navigates the complex dynamics of domestic pressures and international expectations.
The US continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to working with both India and Pakistan to promote stability and prevent further escalation.
