WASHINGTON: UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres called on India and Pakistan to exercise `maximum restraint` and avoid a military confrontation, warning that tensions over a deadly attack in India-held Jammu and Kashmir risk spiralling into open conflict.

He also discussed the situation during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, their second call within a week.

The UN Security Council is also expected to meet behind closed doors on Monday evening to review the situation amid fears that further escalation could destabilise not just South Asia but also broader international peace efforts.

Although no official outcome was immediately anticipated, diplomatic sources said the meeting reflected growing global unease over the trajectory of IndiaPakistan relations.

The Secretary-General`s outreach was also echoed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group in New York, which expressed `deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in South Asia`, blaming `India`s unfounded allegations against Pakistan` for inflaming tensions.

The OIC reaffirmed its support for Pakistan and called for immediate international efforts to de-escalate the situation.Speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr Guterres said he was deeply concerned over what he described as the highest level of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in years.

He reiterated his condemnation of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which claimed over two dozen lives.

`Targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means,` he said. `It is also essential especially at this critical hour to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control.

The UN chief renewed his offer of good offices to both countries `to help defuse tensions and promote diplomacy`, stressing that `a military solution is no solution`. He added: `Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink.

In his conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mr Guterres expressed his commitment to continued engagement with all interlocutors for peace and stabilityin the region. The prime minister appreciated the UN secretary-general`s call for de-escalation and his outreach efforts.

According to the PM Office, the premier reiterated Pakistan`s offer of `an independent, transparent, neutral and credible investigation` into the Pahalgam incident and expressed concern that India was yet to provide any evidence while continuing to resort to provocative rhetoric and war mongering.

He reaffirmed Pakistan`s resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and voiced concern over `Indian attempts to politicise international financial institutions in an attempt to harm Pakistan`s economic interests`.

Mr Guterres, while recalling both countries` longstanding contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, expressed the hope that this shared legacy could provide a foundation for renewed dialogue.

`The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace,` he said.