UNITED NATIONS/ISLAMABAD - A Pakistani envoy to the United Nations said on Friday that his country "does not seek escalation," a position he said has been made clear by the political leadership and at all levels.

Speaking at a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations, said Pakistan has briefed the UN secretary-general, the General Assembly president and the Security Council of the latest developments, and has shared its position and concerns with various other international partners.

While underlining that Pakistan does not seek escalation, the ambassador said, "At the same time, we are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Ahmad said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. "Nothing justifies targeting of innocent civilians."

He noted that Pakistan desires for good neighborly, peaceful and cooperative relations with all its neighbors, including India, and advocates for a relationship grounded in mutual respect, sovereign equality, peaceful co-existence and peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes.

Noting that the situation unfolding in the region poses a serious threat to international peace and security, he said Pakistan has urged immediate de-escalation. "Escalatory rhetoric and unilateral actions are counter-productive."

The ambassador hailed the efforts that have been undertaken by the UN secretary-general and others calling for cooperation, dialogue and de-escalation, saying that these efforts and outreach should continue and merit further intensification, to prevent escalation and conflict.

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Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed his call for a credible, transparent and neutral international investigation into a recent Kashmir incident.

Sharif made it clear during a meeting with Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

The prime minister categorically rejected what he called "baseless accusations" by India attempting to link Pakistan to the incident without any evidence. He said Pakistan had no role in the event and was reaching out to friendly countries to present its position.

Sharif said Pakistan had suffered heavily from terrorism. He added that India's recent actions and aggressive posture were undermining Pakistan's ongoing counter-terrorism operations along its western frontier.

He urged brotherly nations to help de-escalate tensions and promote stability in South Asia.

Tensions between the two South Asian neighbors have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam in the Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22.