Pakistan reasserts Kashmir dispute at UN, rejects India’s position

Speaking during a debate on the Security Council’s annual report, Pakistani diplomat Gul Qaiser Sarwani responded to remarks made by the Indian

Pakistan has firmly reiterated at the United Nations that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains an internationally recognised issue on the United Nations Security Council agenda, rejecting India’s claims that the matter is purely internal.

Speaking during a debate on the Security Council’s annual report, Pakistani diplomat Gul Qaiser Sarwani responded to remarks made by the Indian delegation and said that attempts to present Kashmir as an internal issue were inconsistent with historical facts and international law.

He stated that the region of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains a long-standing dispute on the UN agenda and cannot be altered through what he described as misrepresentation or political narrative. He added that Kashmir “was never, is not, and will never be” an integral part of India.

The Pakistani envoy pointed out that the Security Council’s annual report contained multiple references to the India-Pakistan issue, along with related communications and consultations during the reporting period. He also highlighted that discussions within the Council have continued on regional tensions and security developments.

Sarwani accused India of selectively focusing on Kashmir-related references while ignoring broader content in the report, alleging that New Delhi was attempting to distort facts before the international community.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, he said the people of Kashmir continue to be deprived of their right to self-determination as outlined in long-standing UN resolutions calling for a plebiscite. He also raised concerns over reported human rights violations, including restrictions on civil liberties and demographic changes in the region.

The Pakistani representative further cited concerns expressed by UN human rights experts regarding developments in the territory and argued that India has failed to implement Security Council resolutions.

He also rejected Indian allegations against Pakistan, accusing New Delhi of engaging in actions such as supporting cross-border militancy, violating minority rights, and disregarding international legal norms. Additionally, he criticised India’s decision regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it inconsistent with international obligations.