United Nations / Islamabad – 23 May 2025:
Pakistan strongly rebuked India during a heated Right of Reply at the United Nations Security Council’s Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, accusing New Delhi of committing grave human rights violations, aggression, and terrorism.
Counsellor Ms. Saima Saleem, representing Pakistan, delivered the response, sharply criticizing India’s “disinformation, deflection, and denial” in an effort to obscure its alleged atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and beyond.
“India brazenly kills and maims civilians in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has carried out blatant aggression against Pakistan, and sponsors terrorism and assassinations in our country and globally,” said Saleem.
Pakistan Accuses India of Recent Cross-Border Aggression
Saleem highlighted recent unprovoked Indian attacks on Pakistani civilians between May 6–10, which reportedly killed 40 civilians — including 7 women and 15 children — and injured 121 others.
“India certainly has no credibility to lecture others on the protection of civilians,” she added, noting that these actions were a clear violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
Condemnation of Pahalgam Incident & Call for Independent Investigation
Referring to the Pahalgam incident, which drew widespread international concern, Saleem challenged India’s refusal to permit an independent investigation, calling it an attempt to shield the truth.
“If India had nothing to hide, it should have agreed to credible, impartial and independent investigations,” she said.
Pakistan reiterated that state-sponsored repression in Kashmir continues unabated, aimed at crushing the legitimate freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people.
India Accused of Supporting Terror Proxies in Pakistan
The Pakistani envoy also accused India of actively funding and supporting terrorist proxies, including TTP, BLA, and the Majeed Brigade, which she said were responsible for multiple attacks targeting Pakistani civilians.
In a recent attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, several children were killed and dozens injured. Saleem squarely blamed Indian-backed elements for orchestrating the attack.
Pakistan Urges India to Respect International Obligations and Seek Peaceful Resolution
Calling for a genuine commitment to peace, Saleem urged India to:
- Cease its state-sponsored terrorism
- End its repression in Kashmir
- Comply with international law, the UN Charter, and bilateral treaties
- Engage in meaningful dialogue for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people
“Water is life, not a weapon of war,” she said, also accusing India of impeding the flow of rivers critical to Pakistan’s water supply.
Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Counter-Terrorism
Saleem emphasized that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and sacrifices are internationally acknowledged, and the country remains committed to global cooperation in eliminating terrorism.
“We will not be deterred by India’s provocations or propaganda. Pakistan will continue to raise its voice for justice, peace, and the rights of the Kashmiri people,” she concluded.
