Special Correspondent
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s statements during a United Nations Security Council debate, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is neither an integral part of India nor an internal matter.
Speaking during discussions on the peaceful settlement of disputes under UN Security Council Resolution 2788, Pakistan’s Counsellor to the UN, Saima Saleem, accused India of attempting to distort facts and divert attention through what she described as baseless allegations.
She said it was “ironic” for India to lecture others on peace while, according to Pakistan, violating international law, ignoring UN Security Council resolutions, and pursuing aggressive policies in the region.
Ms Saleem stated that the status of Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute and argued that India’s position cannot alter its legal standing. She also noted that India itself had originally brought the Kashmir issue before the UN Security Council.
Addressing the Indus Waters Treaty, the Pakistani envoy said any unilateral suspension of the agreement would violate international law and the UN Charter. She stressed that the Indus River is a vital lifeline for Pakistan’s population and should not be used as a political or military tool.
Ms Saleem also said Pakistan has been one of the countries most affected by terrorism, citing the loss of thousands of civilian lives. She accused India of supporting cross-border terrorism and referred to the Kulbhushan Jadhav case as evidence for Pakistan’s claims.
The Pakistani diplomat said Pakistan remains committed to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes, urging India to respect international law, honor its treaty obligations, and work toward a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
