At the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, India strongly criticized Pakistan, accusing it of propagating falsehoods and relying on international assistance for survival. During the seventh meeting of the session, India’s representative, Kshitij Tyagi, from the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, made a scathing statement against Pakistan, highlighting its continued dissemination of misinformation and its reliance on instability.
Tyagi stated that Pakistan’s political and military establishment functioned as a “military-terrorist complex,” consistently engaging in deceit and misrepresentation. He noted that Pakistan’s leadership had turned the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) into a tool for its own propaganda, rather than addressing genuine concerns within the Muslim world.
“It is regrettable to see Pakistan’s leaders and delegates continuing to spread falsehoods handed down by its military-terrorist complex. 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,” said Tyagi.
India reaffirmed its unwavering position on Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, emphasizing that these regions were and would always remain an integral part of the country. Tyagi underscored the significant development and progress achieved in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) over the past few years, attributing these advancements to the Indian government’s commitment to restoring peace and normalcy.
“The Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. 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 bring normalcy to a region scarred by decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism,” Tyagi added.
India’s Firm Stand Against Pakistan’s Allegations
India’s response at the UNHRC was prompted by Pakistan’s repeated attempts to raise the issue of Kashmir on international platforms. Pakistan has often alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, a claim India has consistently rejected as baseless and politically motivated.
New Delhi has repeatedly asserted that Pakistan’s involvement in Kashmir-related matters is unwarranted, given its own record of human rights abuses and political instability. India has accused Pakistan of harboring and financing terrorist organizations that have been responsible for numerous attacks in the region, further destabilizing Jammu and Kashmir.
Tyagi’s statement reinforced India’s position that Pakistan should focus on addressing its internal issues rather than interfering in India’s domestic matters. He also highlighted the contrast between the two nations, pointing out India’s consistent democratic progress against Pakistan’s struggle with governance failures and economic distress.
Jammu & Kashmir: A Region Transformed
Tyagi’s remarks at the UNHRC emphasized the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Over the past few years, the region has seen significant infrastructural development, improved law and order, and an increase in investment opportunities.
The Indian government has launched several initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth in J&K, including better connectivity, industrial development, and job creation. Efforts to improve education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment have also seen substantial success, reflecting the government’s broader vision for regional stability and prosperity.
In contrast, Pakistan-administered Kashmir has faced economic stagnation and political suppression, with reports of human rights violations emerging frequently from the region. India has urged the international community to recognize the discrepancies in development between Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir and to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions.
Pakistan’s Troubled State
India’s remarks at the UNHRC also touched upon Pakistan’s deep-rooted political and economic crises. Over the years, Pakistan has grappled with severe financial instability, repeatedly seeking bailouts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international agencies. Political turmoil, with frequent changes in leadership and growing civil unrest, has further weakened Pakistan’s standing on the global stage.
The country’s human rights record has also come under scrutiny, with crackdowns on dissent, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on media freedom raising concerns among global watchdogs. India has pointed out that Pakistan’s accusations against India serve as a distraction from its own governance failures and deteriorating human rights situation.
International Reactions
India’s strong response at the UNHRC has drawn attention from various international observers. While some countries have continued to express concerns over the Kashmir issue, many recognize the economic and infrastructural progress made in the region under Indian governance.
The broader global sentiment has increasingly shifted towards holding Pakistan accountable for its role in fostering terrorism and instability in South Asia. Several nations, including the United States and European Union members, have called for greater scrutiny of Pakistan’s counterterrorism measures and financial transparency.
Meanwhile, India has strengthened its diplomatic outreach to present an accurate picture of Jammu and Kashmir’s progress. Indian officials have consistently engaged with international organizations, presenting data and reports that showcase the region’s transformation.
Conclusion
India’s firm stand against Pakistan’s allegations at the UNHRC underscores its commitment to defending its sovereignty and countering misinformation. By highlighting Pakistan’s governance failures and the progress achieved in Jammu and Kashmir, India has reinforced its position on the international stage.
The UNHRC session once again illustrated the contrasting trajectories of the two neighboring countries—while India continues to focus on growth and development, Pakistan remains entangled in political instability and economic distress. India’s message was clear: Pakistan must first address its internal issues before making baseless accusations on global platforms.