POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

US Secretary of State Contacts PM Shahbaz Sharif Amid Rising Tensions with India

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks with PM Shahbaz Sharif, stressing need for de-escalation between Pakistan and India. PM Sharif reiterates Pakistan's right to self-defense.
2025-05-08
US Secretary of State Contacts PM Shahbaz Sharif Amid Rising Tensions with India

ISLAMABAD: The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reached out to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to discuss the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, according to the Prime Minister’s House.

During the call, Secretary Rubio expressed the United States' concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in South Asia. He reaffirmed the US’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and emphasized the importance of cooperation between Pakistan and India to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation.

PM Sharif’s Response and Pakistan’s Position

In his conversation with Rubio, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif appreciated US President Trump’s concern over the current crisis, acknowledging the ongoing international efforts to manage the situation.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to reiterate Pakistan’s unwavering stance on defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. He condemned India’s military actions and declared them a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Sharif emphasized that Pakistan reserves the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and reaffirmed that the Pakistani people are deeply angered by India’s unprovoked attacks. He further asserted that India's actions have seriously threatened peace and stability in South Asia.

Ongoing Communication

Both leaders agreed to remain in contact and continue discussing the ongoing developments. The phone call highlights the critical role of international diplomacy, especially involving major powers like the United States, in averting further conflict between nuclear-armed nations like Pakistan and India.