ISLAMABAD  -  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received a telephone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and discussed prevailing situation in the region. A day earlier, New Delhi had called on the US and other countries and sought help to stop possible attacks from Pakistani side in response to Indian missile attack.  

During the call, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of India’s missile and drone strikes that had led to the martyrdom of 31 civilians, injured 57 others and damaged civilian infrastructures, according to a press statement issued by the PM House Press Wing. India’s attacks had violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while gravely jeopardizing peace and stability in the South Asia region, he added.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. He noted that the people of Pakistan were outraged by India’s unprovoked acts of war, and stressed that Pakistan reserved the right to act in self-defense, in accordance with Article-51 of the UN Charter.

He also appreciated President Trump’s concern over the current security situation in South Asia.

Secretary Rubio noted that the US was closely following the situation in the South Asia as it was committed to promoting peace and stability in the region.

To this end, he emphasised upon the need for both Pakistan and India to work closely to de-escalate the situation. Both sides agreed to remain in touch.

Meanwhile, according to CNN, in his call with the Pakistani prime minister, Rubio also “expressed sorrow for the reported loss of civilian lives in the current conflict.” Pakistan has claimed India’s strikes killed civilians.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to emphasise the need for de-escalation in the growing crisis between the two countries.

According to readouts of both calls, Rubio “expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications.