United Nations/Hyderabad, Sept 26 (Maxim News): India sharply responded to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, accusing Islamabad of supporting cross-border terrorism and questioning Pakistan’s democratic and human rights record.
Exercising India’s right of reply, Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, described Sharif’s remarks as “bizarre” and referred to Pakistan’s military influence over its political system. Her comments were part of India’s official response to Sharif’s address.
Gahlot also referred to the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks and the presence of al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, near the Pakistan Military Academy.
India Raises Terrorism, Kashmir and Minority Rights at UN
Gahlot criticised Sharif’s references to democratic rights and human values, arguing that Pakistan’s political system remains heavily influenced by its military establishment.
She also referred to Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment and described it as providing immunity to Field Marshal Asim Munir. She called Sharif’s administration a “Form 47 government”, a term used by Pakistani critics in reference to allegations surrounding the 2024 election. These were characterisations made by the Indian diplomat in her right-of-reply speech.
Responding to Pakistan’s remarks on religious intolerance, Gahlot highlighted Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and treatment of religious minorities.
On Jammu and Kashmir, India reiterated its position that the Union Territory is an integral part of the country. Gahlot also raised the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, referring to reports of violence and restrictions on basic rights.
She also defended India’s position on Operation Sindoor, saying India would exercise its right to defend itself against terrorism.
“At the heart of the issue is the long-standing practice of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan,” Gahlot said, warning that continued terrorism would have consequences.
Gahlot concluded by accusing Pakistan of repeatedly raising what India considers false claims at international forums.
“Reiterating falsehoods year after year does not make them true,” she said, adding that India believed Pakistan’s “terrorism, deceit and duplicity” would not benefit either the country or the wider world.
The exchange came during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, with India and Pakistan once again trading accusations over terrorism, Kashmir, minority rights and bilateral relations.
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