India-Pakistan Relations
The relationship between India and Pakistan has been marked by decades of tension, primarily stemming from territorial disputes and cross-border terrorism. While India has consistently advocated for peace and diplomatic dialogue, Pakistan has often been accused of fostering instability in the region. One of the primary points of contention has been Pakistan’s continuous attempts to internationalize the Jammu and Kashmir issue, despite India’s clear stance that it is an internal matter. This was once again evident at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), where India strongly rebuked Pakistan for its unfounded allegations and attempts to mislead the international community.
India’s Strong Rebuttal at the UNHRC
OAdd Newn Thursday, India launched a scathing critique of Pakistan at the seventh meeting of the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). India’s representative, Kshitij Tyagi, condemned Pakistan’s persistent attempts to propagate false narratives, calling it a “failed state” that survives on international aid and thrives on instability.
Tyagi responded to allegations made by Pakistani law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar regarding human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. He dismissed these claims as baseless, stating that Pakistan’s rhetoric reeked of hypocrisy, while its governance was marked by incompetence and inhumanity.
Jammu and Kashmir: An Integral Part of India
Reaffirming India’s position, Tyagi made it clear that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. He highlighted the remarkable progress in these regions, attributing it to the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy and development in an area that had long suffered from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
“The unprecedented political, social, and economic progress in J&K in the past few years speaks for itself. These successes are a testament to the people’s trust in the government’s commitment to bringing stability to the region,” he stated.
Pakistan’s Misuse of International Platforms
India also criticized Pakistan for misusing international organizations, particularly the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to further its anti-India agenda. Tyagi accused Pakistan of exploiting such platforms instead of addressing its own internal issues, which include severe human rights violations, suppression of political dissent, and the persecution of minorities.
“Pakistan is making a mockery of the OIC by abusing it as its mouthpiece. It is unfortunate that this Council’s time continues to be wasted by a failed state which thrives on instability and survives on international handouts,” Tyagi remarked.
Pakistan’s Track Record of Human Rights Violations
India’s envoy further highlighted Pakistan’s lack of credibility when speaking about human rights and democracy. He pointed out that Pakistan itself harbours UN-sanctioned terrorists and has a dismal record of minority persecution and suppression of free speech.
“As a country where human rights abuses, persecution of minorities, and systematic erosion of democratic values constitute state policies, Pakistan is in no position to lecture anyone,” he said. He urged Pakistan to focus on governance and justice for its own people rather than its “unhealthy obsession with India.”
India’s Commitment to Progress and Stability
Contrasting Pakistan’s instability, India reaffirmed its dedication to democracy, progress, and ensuring dignity for its citizens. Tyagi emphasized that while Pakistan continues to focus on hostility and misinformation, India remains steadfast in its pursuit of development and stability.
India’s latest remarks at the UNHRC followed a strong statement made on February 19 by India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish. Addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), he reaffirmed India’s sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the region “has been, is, and will always be, an integral and inalienable part of India.”
India’s Firm Stance on Sovereignty
India’s firm response at the UNHRC underscores its unwavering stance against Pakistan’s baseless allegations. While Pakistan continues to rely on misinformation and international aid, India remains focused on development, democracy, and regional stability. By reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and exposing Pakistan’s track record of governance failures, India sent a strong message to the international community: Pakistan is in no position to lecture anyone on democracy, stability, or human rights.
(With inputs from agencies)
