By: Kanwal Abidi.
Right of Reply Counsellor Muhammad Jawad Ajmal* *In Response to the Baseless Remarks of the Indian Delegate on the Agenda Item 109: “Measures to eliminate International Terrorism”*
*(7 October 2025)*
Pakistan Mission to UN, Press Wing : I would like to exercise my right of reply to the comments made by one member state that not only perpetrates state terrorism, but also peddles disinformation and propaganda, and proliferates hate through false narratives as part of its narrow foreign policy agenda.
We heard remarks in the context of Pahalgam made earlier. As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan, as an elected non-permanent member of the Security Council joined fellow Council members in unequivocally condemning this attack.
Pakistan also offered an independent and credible investigation. We are yet to see evidence of the perpetrators of this attack, details of which remain unknown.
Not only was Pakistan’s offer rejected, but it was attacked, its sovereignty violated and 54 innocent Pakistani civilians martyred, 15 of them children, 13 women in a blatant act of aggression. This behavior sets a dangerous precedent, providing a template for states that seek to intimidate their neighbors. The global community cannot afford to ignore such errant and rogue behavior.
The naked act of aggression and violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty met a befitting, proportionate response, our right of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter which was duly exercised with maturity, exhibiting proportionate, minutely calibrated, and manifestly restrained response that resulted in Pakistan’s resounding success in thwarting this threat, ending with a ceasefire brokered with the good offices of the United States at the request of New Delhi.
The malicious accusations of cross border terrorism are a deliberate attempt to repeat lies until they are accepted as the truth, which is far from ground realities. This country is not only a regional bully but net destabilizer in the entire region, holding South Asia hostage to its hegemonic designs and Hindutva ideology that inspires hate, divisions and xenophobia.
First, it is this country that illegally occupy territories, oppress indigenous populations and violate fundamental human rights as is the case in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the disputed status of which is recognized by the UN, where we have all gathered here today. To deny these realities is a violation of international law and a disrespect to a rules-based international order. I need not elaborate on scheme of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, detentions, staged encounters and collective punishment under the cover of counter terrorism laws that this country pursues.
Second, it is this country that sponsors terrorist organizations in its neighborhood, particularly Pakistan by sponsoring and financing terrorist entities.
Third, it is this country that runs a global campaign of extra territorial assassinations and clandestine proxies on our soil and beyond, including the U.S. and Canada.
Fourth, It has become a routine script: whenever an incident occurs, Pakistan is reflexively blamed—without any shred of evidence, logic or investigation.
Pakistan remains committed to peace. We have consistently offered dialogue. The lives of 1.5 billion people of South Asia deserve prosperity and stability. But let it be clear: these goals cannot be achieved through threats and intimidation. True progress requires sincerity, mutual respect, and genuine diplomacy – principles Pakistan has upheld, and which this member state must finally choose to embrace if it truly seeks peace.
