New Delhi / United Nations — 29 April 2025: India has strongly rebuked Pakistan at the United Nations. This follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives earlier this month. In a stern address, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Yojna Patel, condemned Pakistan’s actions and rhetoric. She accused Pakistan of misusing international platforms. They are accused of disseminating false narratives. Pakistan is also accused of sheltering and supporting terrorism.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif remarks on Sky News
Patel referenced recent televised remarks. These were made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. He admitted to the country’s past involvement in funding and nurturing terrorist groups. “This public admission only confirms what the global community has long suspected. Pakistan has actively played a role in fostering extremist networks. It has also destabilized regional peace,” she said. “It is unfortunate that a member state would choose to undermine the credibility of this forum to promote propaganda. The world has clearly heard Pakistan’s own Defence Minister confess to his country’s long-standing support for terrorism.”
In her remarks, Patel emphasized that India has been a consistent victim of cross-border terrorism for decades. The recent attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region marked the deadliest civilian toll since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
“The Pahalgam massacre, which took 26 innocent lives, has shaken the conscience of the world. India is deeply grateful for the outpouring of international support in the wake of this horrific act,” she stated. Patel emphasized the importance of a unified and firm approach against terrorism. She added, “Perpetrators and sponsors of such acts must face justice. As rightly stated by the UN Security Council, accountability is non-negotiable.”
The escalation in diplomatic tension follows Khawaja Asif’s interview with Sky News. In the interview, he acknowledged Pakistan’s past role in aiding terror groups during conflicts involving Western powers. These conflicts took place notably during the Cold War and the post-9/11 era. He remarked that these groups were at one time even welcomed in Western capitals. He admitted that they had long operated as a single network with various facades.
Worldwide criticism on Khwaja’s remarks
The Defence Minister’s statements have been widely circulated and criticized. They have triggered international concern. These statements have bolstered India’s long-standing assertions about Pakistan’s duplicity on terrorism. Asif also issued a veiled threat of retaliation against India and appealed to the U.S. to intervene diplomatically — remarks that have drawn criticism for escalating tensions further.
In immediate response to the Pahalgam tragedy and Pakistan’s provocative posture, India has taken a series of diplomatic measures. These diplomatic measures include the temporary suspension of operations at the Attari Integrated Check Post. They also involve the cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals under the SVES scheme with a 40-hour exit window. Additionally, there is a scaling down of diplomatic missions in both New Delhi and Islamabad.
UN on global consensus on counterterrorism
The United Nations, while refraining from naming any state, reaffirmed the global consensus on counterterrorism. The Security Council emphasized the importance of bringing all those involved in planning, funding, and executing terror attacks to justice. It reaffirmed its commitment to a world free from the scourge of terrorism.
