In light of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has sought U.S. President Donald Trump's assistance in de-escalating tensions with neighboring India. In an interview with American magazine Newsweek on Wednesday, Sheikh made his appeal.

On April 22, 26 people were killed in a gunmen attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan for the assault, but failed to present any conclusive evidence. Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership rejected the allegation and called for an impartial investigation.

Referring to President Trump, Sheikh told Newsweek, “At this moment, nothing could be more important for a president who stands for global peace than the Kashmir issue.”

He added that the concern is not only between two neighboring countries but involves two nuclear-armed states, raising the stakes for potential conflict.

Sheikh emphasized that the Trump administration should initiate a long-term and effective peace process between Pakistan and India to prevent recurring tensions. He described the Kashmir issue as the root cause of conflict between the two nations.

“As long as this issue remains unresolved and a clear solution is not outlined, these tensions will continue,” he said.

He further stressed, “This is why we are urging the United States and other actors to play a role in de-escalation and to actively engage in resolving the conflict.”

The ambassador expressed hope that resolving the longstanding dispute would allow the people of South Asia to live in peace.

“We do not want war,” Sheikh said. “But we want peace with dignity. That aligns with our economic agenda and our national identity. If peace is imposed without dignity, we would rather die with honor than live in humiliation.”

On the same day, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke over the phone with top leaders of both Pakistan and India. During the call, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the U.S. to pressure India into acting responsibly.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Rubio encouraged both countries to re-establish direct communication and work toward peace and stability.