In a sharp rebuttal at the United Nations General Assembly, India has strongly condemned Pakistan for twisting the principle of self-determination to push its divisive agenda on Kashmir. The exchange unfolded during discussions on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ report on the organization’s work from the previous year.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, once again brought up the Kashmir issue, linking it to the right of self-determination for Palestinians and invoking UN resolutions. He reiterated Pakistan’s opposition to expanding the UN Security Council’s permanent membership, a stance largely driven by its rivalry with India.
Responding firmly, Counselor Eldos Punnos from India’s UN mission declared that Jammu and Kashmir, now a Union Territory, remains an integral and inalienable part of India. ‘Pakistan is misusing every platform in the UN to promote its divisive agenda, exploiting the right to self-determination to foment separatism in pluralistic democracies,’ Punnos stated.
He emphasized that the UN Charter’s principle of self-determination should not be abused to spread falsehoods or attack democratic nations. Pakistan’s routine references to Kashmir, despite being ignored by most members, continue unabated, Punnos noted, urging Islamabad to abandon baseless accusations and distorted narratives.
India pointed out that UN Security Council Resolution 47 from April 21, 1948, demands Pakistan withdraw its forces and intruders from the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir—a condition never met. Furthermore, repeated elections in the region, with high voter participation and elected representatives, have affirmed the people’s loyalty to India, rendering any plebiscite obsolete.
This latest clash underscores the persistent tensions between the two neighbors at the global forum. While Pakistan persists with its familiar rhetoric, a majority of UN members, including many from Africa, do not align with its positions on key issues like Security Council reform. India’s stance reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the territorial integrity of Jammu and Kashmir.