08-05-2025
Al-Azhar Garand Imam calls on India, Pakistan to exercise wisdom, prioritize language of dialogue
CAIRO – 8 May 2025: Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb called on both of India and Pakistan to 'exercise wisdom, prioritize the language of dialogue and demonstrate the utmost levels of self-restraint.'
On his X account, el-Tayeb said that 'It is imperative to halt any escalation and to refrain from using shared natural resources as instruments to inflame conflicts and incite fanaticism. We urge a swift return to the negotiation table, for our world today cannot endure further wars and conflicts.'
On Wednesday, Egypt called on India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize diplomatic dialogue after deadly strikes exchanged between the two Asian countries on Wednesday.
In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt underlined the importance of resorting to peaceful solutions that fulfill the aspirations of both countries' friendly peoples in achieving calm and stability.
Egypt stressed the need to exert every effort to de-escalate the crisis and prevent further regional escalation.
A dangerous escalation has erupted between India and Pakistan following a series of Indian missile strikes deep within Pakistani territory.
The strikes, which India claims targeted infrastructure linked to a recent tourist massacre, killed at least 26 deaths, including a child, and sparked a furious response from Islamabad.
Meanwhile, a local Indian government official said at least eight Indians were killed and 29 others were injured in retaliatory strikes.
The Indian strikes were followed by intense exchanges of fire across the disputed border, claiming more lives on both sides.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Indian strikes and vowed retaliation.
