India's First Secretary in the Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, exercised India's right of reply to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's speech at the UN General Assembly. Gahlot strongly rejected Islamabad's remarks on India and Jammu and Kashmir, characterizing Sharif's rhetoric as "hypocritical homilies." She emphasized that cross-border terrorism by Pakistan will have consequences.
Gahlot highlighted the context of Sharif's speech, which came just a fortnight after the 25th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attack. She noted that the mastermind of the attack, Osama bin Laden, was living near the Pakistani Army's premier academy. Gahlot described Sharif's government as a "puppet" regime, saying that the army, not the elected government, calls the shots in Pakistan.
The Indian diplomat criticized Sharif's claims about democratic rights and human values, saying that Pakistan's capital is being fortified against its own people. She pointed out that Pakistan's 27th Amendment and lifelong immunity for its real ruler reveal the country's true reality. Gahlot also highlighted Pakistan's long record of bigotry and hatred, saying that the country's blasphemy laws and treatment of minorities are well-known.
Sharif had attempted to raise the Kashmir issue at the Assembly, but India emphasized Pakistan's atrocities in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). India reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country. Gahlot invited the Assembly to consider the experiences of the people of Rawalkot, who have faced wanton killings, brutal violence, and denial of basic rights.
India has suffered the consequences of cross-border terrorism and has demonstrated its resolve in dealing with the issue. Gahlot asserted India's right to defend itself against terrorism, saying that terrorists will have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. She highlighted Pakistan's duplicity on the issue, citing the recent move to put Jaish boss Maulana Masood Azhar on its terrorist list.
Gahlot expressed confidence that the Assembly will recognize Pakistan's policies for what they are, not what its representative projects. She emphasized that reiterating falsehoods year after year does not make them true and that Pakistan's terrorism, deceit, and duplicity will neither benefit it nor the world. India's strong reply hit out at Sharif's tired rhetoric, which found no takers on the world stage.
Pakistan's loud claims on issues like the Indus Water treaty and its response to Operation Sindoor have been met with skepticism. Once again, Pakistan stands isolated, with its rhetoric failing to convince the international community. India's response has made it clear that it will not be swayed by Pakistan's attempts to shift the focus away from its own actions.
Key points
- India warns that cross-border terrorism by Pakistan will have consequences.
- India strongly rejects Pakistan's remarks on India and Jammu and Kashmir.
- Pakistan's rhetoric on Kashmir and other issues has found no takers on the world stage.
