Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 21: India on Wednesday strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council, stating that Islamabad’s “long-tainted record” reflects a pattern of externalising internal issues through violence beyond its borders.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, made the remarks during the UNSC open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, after Pakistan referred to Jammu and Kashmir in its statement.

Calling it “ironic,” Parvathaneni said Pakistan, despite its own record, had chosen to comment on matters that are internal to India. He also accused Pakistan of hypocrisy while speaking on international law and civilian protection.

Referring to earlier incidents, the Indian envoy cited reports of cross-border violence involving Pakistan and alleged that civilians had been affected. He specifically referred to a reported airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul during Ramadan this year, claiming it resulted in civilian casualties and injuries, as per UN-related assessments mentioned in the debate.

Parvathaneni further stated that large-scale displacement of civilians had been recorded due to cross-border armed incidents and criticised Pakistan’s conduct in regional conflicts.

He also made reference to historical allegations related to the 1971 conflict, including claims of mass atrocities, while rejecting Pakistan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir and terming them an attempt to divert attention from internal matters.

The exchange added fresh tension to already strained India-Pakistan relations at the multilateral forum, with both sides reiterating their longstanding positions on key issues.