India exports terrorism while trying to import victimhood, Pakistan tells UN

Delivering Pakistan’s right of reply, Counsellor Saima Saleem accused India of using what she described as propaganda and disinformation in its diplomatic approach, while raising concerns over terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, minority rights and the Indus Waters Treaty.

“Pakistan knows the cost of Indian-sponsored terrorism all too well,” Saleem said, claiming that Pakistan had lost nearly 100,000 lives to terrorism since the turn of the century, while also suffering significant economic losses.

She said Pakistan had presented what it described as evidence of India’s financing, aiding and abetting of terrorist groups targeting Pakistan, including the TTP, BLA and Majeed Brigade. She also accused India of failing to unequivocally condemn attacks targeting Pakistani civilians.

Saleem further referred to cases involving Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav and Nikhil Gupta, citing them as part of Pakistan’s allegations concerning India’s involvement in terrorism and overseas operations. On Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistani representative reiterated Islamabad’s position that the territory remains an internationally recognized disputed territory.

She accused India of maintaining an “illegal occupation” and denying Kashmiris their fundamental rights, including the right to self-determination. Saleem also criticized India’s domestic policies toward minorities, alleging that the ruling RSS-BJP dispensation had institutionalized Hindutva ideology in state policy and practice.

She raised allegations concerning discrimination and violence against Muslims, Christians, Dalits and Sikhs. Addressing water issues, the Pakistani representative criticized India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, describing water as a lifeline for Pakistan’s population.

Saleem also referred to the May 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India, saying India had suffered a “crushing defeat” during what she called Marka-e-Haq and arguing that the episode had affected India’s credibility. Concluding her statement, Saleem said Pakistan remained committed to peace, mutual respect, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

“We will defend ourselves whenever aggression is imposed upon us, but we will never abandon the path to peace,” she said, adding that lasting strength lies in the peace a nation has the courage to build and defend.