The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called for a peaceful resolution of the prevailing India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor that has fuelled escalations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
In its statement following the attack, an IMF spokesperson expressed concern over the deteriorating situation between South Asian neighbours.
“We hope issues between Pakistan and India are resolved peacefully and that tensions subside,” the spokesperson said.
The board is likely to meet on May 9 to assess Pakistan's ongoing economic reform program and decide on the disbursement of funds under the existing loan arrangement.
“This meeting will assess progress under Pakistan’s economic reform program, adding, “The IMF remains committed to assisting peaceful resolution of the ongoing escalations.”
On Thursday, the Punjab (Pakistan), one of the economic and political centres of Pakistan, cancelled its Assembly session due to ongoing tensions with India.
Meanwhile, the appeal from the IMF comes as tensions surged dramatically following the Pahalgam attack on April 22.
On the intervening night of May 6 and 7, India launched missile strikes on six Pakistani cities, resulting in the killing of 31 people and causing injuries to 57 others.
Shortly after, the Pakistani military started intense shelling on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, which also resulted in the death of 13 people, while 59 others were injured.
Pakistan's military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), issued a stern warning to India, threatening to launch reciprocal attacks on the Indian side.
However, a high alert has been sounded on the Pakistani side of Punjab and the Indian side of Punjab, which are bracing for further escalation.
As the international community watches with concern, the IMF’s call for de-escalation adds to growing diplomatic pressure for both countries to step back from the brink and return to dialogue.
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