ISLAMABAD: Amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India following the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate telephonic conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday, urging both sides to show restraint and cooperate for regional stability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz urged the United States to press India to reduce inflammatory rhetoric and behave responsibly, accusing New Delhi of escalating tensions instead of seeking facts through impartial investigation. “India's provocations are deeply disappointing and worrisome,” Shehbaz told Secretary Rubio. He reiterated Pakistan’s offer for a transparent, credible, and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam attack, rejecting Indian allegations linking Pakistan to the incident.
Shehbaz further criticized India for “weaponizing water,” referring to disputes over the Indus Waters Treaty, which he said affects 240 million Pakistanis. “The Treaty has no provision for unilateral withdrawal,” he emphasized, accusing India of using critical resources as leverage.
The prime minister also highlighted the distraction India's actions pose to Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, particularly against groups like ISKP, TTP, and BLA operating from Afghan territory. “India’s aggressive posture only diverts our focus from eliminating these threats,” he said.
In his conversation, Shehbaz emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, calling it essential for lasting peace in South Asia. He reaffirmed Pakistan's sacrifices in the war on terror, noting that the country has lost over 90,000 lives over the past two decades.
On bilateral relations, Shehbaz stressed Pakistan’s long-standing partnership with the US, stating: “Our two nations have cooperated closely for over 70 years.” He informed Rubio that Pakistan is undergoing major economic reforms and is on the path to recovery. He extended good wishes to President Donald Trump and expressed a desire to strengthen ties with the US in areas of mutual interest.
Secretary Rubio thanked Shehbaz for the comprehensive briefing and emphasized continued cooperation for peace and stability in the region.
Later, Secretary Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio extended condolences for the victims of the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed US support for counterterrorism cooperation with India. “He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace in South Asia,” she said.
The twin calls by Secretary Rubio mark a diplomatic intervention by the United States, which seeks to prevent further deterioration of Pakistan-India ties amid mounting regional and global concerns over security in South Asia.
