WASHINGTON: A heated exchange unfolded at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday as Pakistan accused India of complicity in terrorism and destabilizing Pakistan, during a debate focused on Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad leveled the accusations in response to India’s criticism of cross-border strikes.
India a ‘spoiler’ in Afghanistan: Pak envoy
Ambassador Ahmad stated that India’s remarks were “no surprise,” alleging India’s Afghan policy aims to destabilize Pakistan. He accused India of “actively supporting and sponsoring terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil,” specifically naming the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch Liberation Army.
Ahmad claimed Pakistan possesses “irrefutable evidence of India’s collusion with terrorist groups” and suggested India is “in pain” because its support for terrorist groups in Afghanistan is being undermined by Pakistan’s actions against them.
Responding to Indian concerns about Pakistani violations, Ambassador Ahmad described India as “a serial violator of international law,” citing alleged actions including illegally occupying territory, violating the UN Charter, and perpetrating state terrorism. He further accused India of systematically marginalizing minorities, spreading hate, and weaponizing water resources.
Ambassador Ahmad maintained that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations target terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and are in line with international law. He asserted Pakistan has “engaged responsibly in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan,” contingent on the Taliban regime fulfilling commitments related to counter-terrorism, governance, and women’s rights.
He called on India to “cease and desist from its policy of stoking terrorism” from Afghan soil and stated Pakistan would not tolerate “sabotage and subversion” from Afghanistan.
Afghan envoy ‘cut off from ground realities’
Ambassador Ahmad also criticized Naseer Ahmad Faiq, the Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Afghan Permanent Mission to the UN – who is not officially recognized by the Taliban authorities – for failing to mention groups like Al Qaeda and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) when discussing terrorism.
Ahmad dismissed Faiq’s remarks as lacking credibility, stating he is “completely cut off from ground realities” and selectively commenting on the situation. He claimed Faiq did not address the impact of cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan on Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary focus of the exchange at the UNSC?
The primary focus was a disagreement between Pakistan and India regarding accusations of cross-border terrorism and interference in each other’s affairs, during a debate about the situation in Afghanistan.
What specific groups did Pakistan accuse India of supporting?
Pakistan accused India of actively supporting and sponsoring the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch Liberation Army.
What was Pakistan’s position on its own counter-terrorism operations?
Pakistan stated its counter-terrorism operations are legitimate, directed against terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, and in conformity with international law.
Given the intensity of these accusations and counter-accusations, what steps might the UN Security Council consider to de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and India?