Special Correspondent
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has strongly rejected what it termed as “unwarranted and baseless remarks” made by the Indian delegate during the United Nations General Assembly debate on a resolution promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
Exercising his right of reply, First Secretary Zulfiqar Ali said India had attempted to politicize a consensus resolution aimed at fostering harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among different religions and cultures.
He stated that Pakistan “completely rejects” India’s allegations, calling them unfounded and misleading. He further accused India of trying to undermine the spirit of unity demonstrated by the international community through the adoption of the resolution.
Referring to the Kartarpur Corridor, the Pakistani diplomat highlighted that the initiative continues to facilitate thousands of Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including India, to visit the sacred site of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in safety and dignity. He noted that the agreement governing the corridor was renewed in 2024 for another five years, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to protecting religious freedoms.
He also pointed out that the initiative has received global recognition, including praise from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who described it as a “Corridor of Hope.”
In his remarks, the Pakistani representative criticized India’s human rights record, alleging widespread discrimination and violence against minorities, particularly Muslims. He claimed that such actions were not isolated but occurred with state patronage.
Pakistan called on India to take concrete steps to protect minority rights and hold perpetrators accountable, emphasizing that progress should be judged by actions rather than statements made in international forums.
