Pakistan rejects India's Kashmir claim at UN, calls for resolution under UNSC mandate

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan on Friday firmly rejected India's assertion that Jammu and Kashmir is its "integral part" or an "internal matter", telling the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that the territory remains an internationally recognised dispute that must be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Exercising Pakistan's right of reply during a UNSC open debate on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes, Counsellor Saima Saleem said Jammu and Kashmir's disputed status could not be altered through unilateral claims.

"Jammu and Kashmir is neither a so-called integral part of India nor its internal matter," she said, adding that India's assertions could not rewrite history, change the territory's internationally recognised status or conceal decades of alleged human rights violations and denial of the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination.

Responding to remarks made by the Indian representative during the debate, Saleem accused New Delhi of attempting to undermine the discussion through denial, distortion and misrepresentation of facts.

She noted that India itself had brought the Kashmir issue before the Security Council but later disregarded its resolutions. "Security Council resolutions do not have an expiry date," she remarked, stressing the importance of adherence to international law for maintaining global peace and security.

The Pakistani diplomat also criticised India's record in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), alleging arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, political repression and restrictions on civil liberties.

Drawing a contrast with Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), she said residents there exercised political rights and enjoyed freedom of expression, whereas dissent in IIOJK was allegedly suppressed.

Saleem further accused India of violating international norms through its decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, warning that weaponising water resources could endanger regional peace and stability.

She reiterated Pakistan's concerns regarding what it described as Indian-sponsored terrorism, alleging support for militant groups operating against Pakistan, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade.

Referring to the case of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav and alleged overseas operations attributed to Indian intelligence networks, she claimed that India's activities extended beyond the region.

The Pakistani representative also criticised policies of India's ruling leadership, alleging discrimination and persecution of religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Dalits.

Concluding her statement, Saleem said Pakistan remained committed to dialogue, restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes despite recurring tensions with India.

"The path to peace in South Asia lies neither in denial nor in defiance, but in adherence to the UN Charter and international law," she said, urging India to honour its international obligations and engage in a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.