Malaysian government urged India and Pakistan on Thursday to exercise “utmost restraint” and prevent further escalation of tension in the region after New Delhi revoked special status for Jammu and Kashmir.
“Malaysia is concerned over the recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir in particular, the repeated escalation of tension in the region,” a statement that was issued by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s office.
“As a close partner to both India and Pakistan, Malaysia places high hopes that the two neighbours will exercise utmost restraint to prevent further escalation that could be detrimental to the peace, stability and prosperity in the region”, the statement further said.
The Malaysian premier also stressed the need for both sides to honour existing UN resolutions and engage in dialogue.
“Malaysia always believes that dialogues and consultations are the best routes to a peaceful and amicable solution over this longstanding issue”, the statement added.
The statement came after Monday’s phone conversation between Mahathir and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan over the Kashmir situation.
On Tuesday, following India’s move on abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan government condemned it, saying that it will “exercise all possible options to counter it”.
The Pakistan Foreign Office in a statement said that it “strongly condemns and rejects” the announcement by India to repeal Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Over the past few days, Imran Khan has been trying to win diplomatic support for Pakistan’s stance against India’s decision, with him reaching out to Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
(With IANS inputs)