Daijiworld Media Network – United Nations
United Nations, Jan 16: India on Thursday came down heavily on Pakistan for repeatedly misusing United Nations platforms to push what it termed a “divisive agenda”, after Islamabad’s envoy raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during a General Assembly session.
Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Eldos Mathew Punnoose, said Pakistan continues to abuse international forums by making unwarranted references to Jammu and Kashmir, which he asserted is an “integral and inalienable part of India”.
“At a time when member states must rise above narrow considerations, Pakistan continues to misuse all platforms and processes in the UN to further its divisive agenda,” Punnoose said while delivering India’s national statement at the UN General Assembly Plenary on the ‘Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organisation’.
Responding to Pakistan’s remarks, Punnoose underlined that while the right to self-determination is a fundamental principle enshrined in the UN Charter, it must not be misused to encourage secession in pluralistic and democratic states. He added that Pakistan should refrain from making baseless allegations and portraying a narrative detached from reality.
The sharp rebuttal followed comments made by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who once again referred to Jammu and Kashmir during his address. India pointed out that despite Pakistan repeatedly raising the issue at the UN and other international forums, it has failed to gain any support from the wider global community.
Punnoose also highlighted concerns of the Global South, stating that developing nations face unique challenges related to development financing, climate justice and equitable growth. He said India has consistently worked to bring these issues to the forefront across UN platforms and called for focused and concrete follow-up actions.
Referring to the current global situation, India stressed that the United Nations is passing through a critical phase and must deliver effectively on its core pillars of peace and security, development, and human rights. Punnoose cautioned that the UN’s inability to act decisively, especially in maintaining international peace and security, raisesserious questions about its credibility and effectiveness as conflicts continue to rage across various parts of the world.