At UN, Pakistan Seeks Global Action on Kashmir, Rejects India’s Accusations
News Desk
New York: In a closed-door session of the UN Security Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, issued a stern warning against India’s recent actions in Kashmir and broader regional developments, calling them a threat to South Asian peace and stability.
Speaking at the confidential briefing, which was convened at Pakistan’s request, Iftikhar placed Kashmir firmly at the center of his address. He accused India of engaging in “unilateral and provocative measures” in the disputed region, warning that such steps undermine decades of international efforts toward peace.
UN Asked to Break Silence on Kashmir
Ambassador Iftikhar described Kashmir as “the core dispute between Pakistan and India,” urging the international community to recognize the urgency of the situation after more than 70 years of unresolved conflict. He pressed the Security Council to uphold its own resolutions and support the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their future.
“Kashmiris are still waiting for justice,” Iftikhar stated, adding that peace in South Asia remains “a distant dream unless the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people are addressed.”
He also condemned alleged human rights violations by Indian forces in the region, stating they amount to a “grave breach of international law.”
Pakistan Rejects Terror Link
In a firm rebuttal of India’s accusations linking Pakistan to the recent Palgham attack, Iftikhar categorically denied any involvement. “We strongly condemn the incident, but any attempt to falsely implicate Pakistan is baseless and unacceptable,” he said.
To reinforce Pakistan’s position, he called for a “transparent and independent international investigation,” inviting global scrutiny and asserting Islamabad’s willingness to cooperate in uncovering the truth.
India’s Suspension of IWT Sparks Alarm
The ambassador also raised alarm over India’s reported suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—an agreement long considered a cornerstone of India-Pakistan cooperation despite deep political tensions.
Calling the move a “clear violation of international law,” Iftikhar warned that abandoning such agreements unilaterally sets a dangerous precedent. “This treaty represents a rare example of cooperation and must not be discarded at will,” he said.
Peace Through Dialogue, Not Blame
Addressing broader regional tensions, Iftikhar reiterated Pakistan’s role as a key player in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing that over 90,000 Pakistanis have died in this effort.
While affirming Pakistan’s readiness to defend its sovereignty, he emphasized that dialogue—not confrontation—is the preferred route to peace. “We seek solutions through negotiations grounded in mutual respect,” he said, calling on regional players to engage in serious talks.
UN Engagement Welcomed
Ambassador Iftikhar concluded by thanking Security Council members for their engagement on these pressing issues, expressing hope that international involvement would grow in both depth and urgency.
“The Security Council’s attention to these matters is not only welcomed—it is necessary,” he said. “Lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without addressing its most enduring conflict.”
Additional input from agencies and news channels.