UK offers support to ease tensions between Pakistan and India

In the wake of Indian attacks on Pakistan, the UK proposed mediation between the two nuclear powers, stressing that de-escalation is crucial for maintaining regional stability.

Speaking to BBC Radio, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds addressed the volatile situation in South Asia, where tensions have risen between Pakistan and India following the missile attacks on Pakistani civilians.

“Our message would be that we are a friend, [and] a partner to both countries. We stand ready to support both countries. Both have a huge interest in regional stability, in dialogue, in de-escalation and anything we can do to support that, we are here and willing to do,” Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said. 

In retaliation for Indian air strikes in Pakistan’s civilian areas, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) brought down at least five Indian jets late at night on Wednesday, with a check post obliterated, according to the Internal Services Public Relations (ISPR). 

Read: World reacts to Indian strikes in Pakistani cities

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the Director General ISPR, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, confirmed the retaliatory action, stating that India targeted at least six civilian places in Pakistan, resulting in 26 being martyred, including two minor girls and seven women, while at least 46 were sustaining injuries.

The military confrontation between two nuclear-armed neighbours occurred after India launched “Operation Sindoor” late at night when several air strikes hit Pakistani cities.

Around midnight, explosions rocked several cities, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, and Muzaffarabad, causing widespread power outages and plunging areas into darkness, according to reports.