During a UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Pakistan challenged India’s claims about the Pahalgam attack. Muneeb Ahmed, representing Pakistan’s Permanent Mission, used his right of reply during the dialogue on the UN High Commissioner’s Annual Report. He stated that India accused Pakistan without presenting any proof.
Ahmed said Indian forces increased repression in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir before investigators even asked the public for evidence. “India stepped up its repression against the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir even before its own probe officials issued a public call for evidence,” he said. “Worse yet, India launched premeditated and unjustified military strikes on civilians, homes, and places of worship in Pakistan.”
He claimed India rejected international calls for restraint and refused to allow an independent investigation. Ahmed also pointed out India’s objections to Article 1 of both the ICCPR and ICESCR. He said India used these objections to deny the right to self-determination.
According to him, this approach helps India maintain its hold on Jammu and Kashmir. It also blocks resistance movements in other regions under its control. “India is, however, following a beaten path of using terrorism for political objectives,” he said.
He argued that resolving the Kashmir issue is essential. It would help bring peace to South Asia and stop future human rights violations.
Muneeb added, “The Jammu and Kashmir region is not, has never been, and will never be a so-called integral part of India.” He said it remains a disputed territory under international law. Its final status depends on the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, as stated in multiple UN Security Council resolutions.
He said Pakistan is willing to discuss India’s role in terrorism along its western border. “We have the evidence to conduct a substantial discussion,” he added.
Ahmed urged to stop blaming Pakistan and Muslims. Instead, he asked India to focus on the rights of Kashmiris.
“Rather than accusing Pakistan or Muslims, we ask India to re-examine its Hindutva supremacist quest for hegemony, respect the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, and, most crucially, act like a normal country at peace with itself and its neighbours.”
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