Ties between Pakistan and India have been historically fraught, marked by four wars since independence. Earlier this year, relations became severely strained after India launched air strikes in Pakistan following the Pehlgham attack in occupied Kashmir. Pakistan denied involvement, and the ensuing crisis only eased following US intervention, leaving relations “exceedingly sour.”
UNGA Diplomatic Showdown
The latest spat unfolded during the fifth day (Sept. 27) of the 80th UNGA session in New York, featuring heated exchanges. The most aggressive accusation came during the Right of Reply, where Indian representative Rentala Srinivas branded Pakistan a terrorist state, declaring: “No arguments or untruths can ever whitewash the crimes of Terroristan.”
Pakistan’s Sharp Rebuttal
Responding, Muhammad Rashid, Second Secretary at the Pakistan Mission, condemned the remarks as “utterly shameful,” criticizing India for stooping to distort the name of a fellow UN member state.
- Accusation of Indian Terrorism: Rashid not only refuted the terrorism claims made by Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar but countered that India itself “is not just a serial perpetrator of terrorism, but a regional bully” holding South Asia hostage to its “hegemonic designs and radical ideology.”
- Critique of Rhetoric: He called the Indian language “undignified,” “cheap slurs,” and reflective of India’s “frustration” and “pettiness on the world stage,” arguing such rhetoric lacked maturity and responsibility.
- Allegations of Cross-Border Sabotage: Rashid claimed that India has “itself been implicated in supporting and sponsoring terrorism beyond its borders,” alleging that Indian “intelligence operatives have been accused of financing and directing groups engaged in sabotage and targeted killings across the world.”
Focus on Kashmir and Call for Peace
Pakistan’s Stance on State Terrorism
Rashid argued that such actions expose the duplicity of India’s counterterrorism claims.
- He highlighted Pakistan’s role as “one of the strongest pillars in leading global efforts for combating terrorism” and noted its immense sacrifices.
- Conversely, he pointed out that India is among those who “illegally occupy territories, oppress populations and violate fundamental human rights,” citing the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He condemned the existence of “State terrorism” there, including extrajudicial killings and collective punishment.
Invitation to Dialogue
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, Rashid stressed that these goals cannot be achieved through threats and intimidation.
- He invited India to “embrace” peace, stating that “True progress requires sincerity, mutual respect, dialogue and diplomacy,” principles which India must finally choose to adopt.
- Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his UNGA address to call for “proactive” rather than “provocative” leadership in South Asia, citing India’s recent aggression.
