JOHANNESBURG, May 9 (Xinhua) -- South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola on Friday expressed concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, calling for de-escalation and restraint.
Speaking at the Solidarity Conference on Women, Peace and Security held in Johannesburg, Lamola called on the two nations to sit down and find a settlement to end their dispute.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following an attack on tourists in Pahalgam in the Indian-controlled Kashmir last month, which resulted in the death of 26 people. Clashes started after the Indian military carried out airstrikes inside Pakistan and the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir during the early hours on Wednesday.
The Pakistani army said that 26 people, including women and children, were killed and 46 others injured when India attacked civilian settlements in six areas of Pakistan on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
All efforts should be made to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, while ensuring that there are concerted efforts from both parties to negotiate a peaceful settlement to the dispute, Lamola said. ■