Pakistan rejects India’s stance on Kashmir at UN

Pakistan has rejected India’s claim that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter, reiterating at the United Nations that the territory remains a disputed issue.

Speaking during the general debate of the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Pakistan’s First Secretary Sarfraz Ahmed Gohar said the final status of Jammu and Kashmir should be decided in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Gohar said Pakistan did not accept India’s assertion that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of the country. He maintained that the dispute had an international dimension and required a peaceful settlement.

The Pakistani representative also raised concerns over what he described as human rights violations and discrimination against religious minorities in India. He referred to alleged violence, hate speech, discrimination and attacks on places of worship affecting Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and other communities.

Gohar said Pakistan remained committed to dialogue, diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of disputes under the UN Charter.

He argued that resolving outstanding disputes through diplomatic means was important for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.

The exchange took place as the Third Committee began discussions during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.