New Delhi: India delivered a strong response to Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly, firmly rejecting references made by Islamabad regarding Jammu and Kashmir and reiterating that the region remains an integral part of the country.
Speaking during a discussion on the UN Security Council’s annual report, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P Harish, criticized Pakistan for what he described as the misuse of international platforms to promote politically motivated narratives. He emphasized that all matters related to Jammu and Kashmir are strictly internal to India and asserted that the Union Territory “is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.”
Harish stated that claims challenging India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir have no basis in historical facts and cannot alter the reality of the region’s status. He also accused Pakistan of repeatedly attempting to use UN forums to advance divisive political agendas.
Responding to remarks made by Pakistan’s UN envoy, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Harish reminded Islamabad of the responsibility that comes with serving on the UN Security Council. He noted that Pakistan, whose current elected term on the council is set to conclude later this year, should act with greater responsibility while participating in global forums.
Separately, India lodged a strong protest against Pakistan’s plans to conduct general elections for the assembly in Gilgit Baltistan. The Ministry of External Affairs maintained that the region is part of India and remains under Pakistan’s “illegal and forcible occupation.”
In its statement, the ministry said such electoral exercises cannot alter the legal status of the territory. It further alleged that the areas under Pakistan’s control continue to face issues including human rights violations, political repression, economic exploitation, and restrictions on freedoms.
India also reiterated its opposition to any attempts by Pakistan to make administrative or political changes in territories it claims are under illegal occupation, arguing that such actions cannot obscure the broader territorial dispute.
Pakistan, however, dismissed India’s objections, rejecting the criticism surrounding the upcoming Gilgit Baltistan elections and maintaining its own position on the matter.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
