Pakistan’s UN envoy hits back at India in Se…
Pakistan’s Counsellor at the United Nations, Saima Saleem, strongly criticised India during a meeting of the UN Security Council. She accused New Delhi of violating international law, ignoring UN Security Council resolutions and pursuing policies that threaten regional peace and stability.
In her address, Saleem said it was contradictory for India to present itself as a supporter of peace while, according to Pakistan, it continues to violate international law and fail to implement UN Security Council resolutions related to the Kashmir dispute. She also alleged that India has pursued aggressive policies toward neighbouring countries and has been involved in activities that undermine regional security.
The Pakistani diplomat highlighted what she described as a clear difference between the situations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). She said people in AJK enjoy political freedoms, while residents of IIOJK continue to face restrictions, arrests and alleged human rights violations.
Saleem said the denial of basic rights in the disputed territory cannot be ignored. She stressed that political freedom and the suppression of civil liberties cannot be viewed as the same. According to her, the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to possess an inalienable right to self-determination under relevant UN resolutions.
She further stated that Jammu and Kashmir is not an integral part of India and cannot be treated solely as its internal matter. She said India’s position does not change the internationally recognised status of the dispute and called for implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The Pakistani representative also said that India had originally taken the Kashmir issue to the United Nations and is now distancing itself from the resolutions adopted by the Security Council. She maintained that the dispute remains on the UN agenda and requires a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law.
Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, Saleem criticised India’s decision to suspend the agreement. She said the move violates international legal obligations and warned that water should never be used as a political or military tool. She described the Indus River system as a lifeline for millions of people and stressed that international agreements must be respected.
She also alleged that terrorism networks linked to India have expanded beyond the region. In addition, she claimed that the rise of Hindutva ideology has contributed to increasing Islamophobia in India and accused the Indian government of promoting discriminatory policies against Muslims.
