INTERNATIONAL: India Rebukes Pakistan’s “Double Standards” at UN Amid Civilian Casualties Row
UN Confrontation Over Civilian Protection
In a high-voltage exchange at the United Nations, India strongly countered Pakistan’s remarks during a debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The session, held on Friday, witnessed India accusing Pakistan of hypocrisy for lecturing on civilian welfare while allegedly supporting cross-border terrorism.
Pakistani envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmed reignited the Kashmir issue and alluded to recent military tensions. This drew an assertive rebuttal from Parvataneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, who condemned Pakistan’s alleged duplicity in harboring and honoring terrorists.
India Cites Pahalgam Attacks and Retaliation
Harish reminded the global body that India has been battling Pakistan-backed terrorism for decades. He referred specifically to the recent terrorist strike in Pahalgam, which left 26 civilians dead and numerous others injured. According to Harish, the attackers deliberately targeted innocent tourists.
In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, which he said led to the destruction of terror infrastructure located in both Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Harish cited intelligence and visual proof of high-ranking Pakistani officials participating in funerals of terrorists neutralized during the operation.
Accusations of Targeting Civilian Sites
India further claimed that Pakistan’s counter-response involved deliberate strikes on civilian infrastructure, including gurdwaras, temples, and military bases. Harish disclosed that more than 20 civilians were killed and over 80 injured during these attacks, accusing Pakistan of intentionally escalating tensions.
India’s Diplomatic Standpoint
India maintained that a nation which “does not distinguish between terrorists and civilians” should not pontificate on human rights. Harish described Pakistan’s stance as a “display of calculated hypocrisy” and called upon the global community to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward state sponsors of terrorism.
Current Situation and Call for Global Unity
The current military landscape is governed by a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. However, India reiterated the importance of global cooperation to dismantle terrorism networks and urged strict international sanctions on those offering sanctuary to such entities.