At a debate on civilian protection at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Pakistan strongly rejected allegations made by India and accused its neighbour of supporting terrorism, violating international law and repressing minorities.
The exchange took place after India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, criticised Pakistan over alleged violations of humanitarian obligations and accused it of targeting civilians. India also raised concerns about terrorism and regional security issues during the session.
Responding to the remarks, Pakistan’s representative Saima Saleem said India was attempting to portray itself as a victim while hiding what she described as its own record of “terrorism, occupation, aggression and repression”.
Saleem accused India of backing militant groups involved in attacks inside Pakistan and claimed that thousands of Pakistani civilians had lost their lives in violence linked to such organisations. She also defended Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations, saying they were targeted only at militant hideouts and infrastructure, not civilians.
The Pakistani envoy further criticised India over Kashmir, alleging that the people of the region were facing repression and denial of their right to self-determination. She also exposed discrimination against minorities, particularly Muslims in India, added that rising Islamophobia in the country was a matter of global concern.
Referring to India’s decision regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Saleem said the move reflected disregard for international agreements and warned that actions affecting water security could impact millions of people in Pakistan.
Concluding her remarks, she said Pakistan remained committed to peace, dialogue and resolving disputes through diplomacy and international law, while accusing India of destabilising the region through aggressive policies.