ISLAMABAD, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held phone talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the prevailing security situation in South Asia.

During the conversation, Sharif appreciated the UN chief's continued engagement and outreach efforts and welcomed his call for de-escalation as well as the need to avoid any confrontation, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

The Pakistani prime minister expressed his concern about India's "provocative rhetoric and war mongering".

He reiterated Pakistan's determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

For his part, Guterres briefed Sharif on his efforts for peace and stability in the region, expressing his commitment to remain engaged with all interlocutors on the issue.

This was the second phone conversation between the two within a week.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam in the Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22. ■