India won't compromise on J-K, gap with Pak widening
Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad and Indian diplomats slam Shehbaz Sharif's UNGA speech, highlighting Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism.
The diplomatic rift between New Delhi and Islamabad has reached a new crescendo following Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad has criticized the Pakistani leadership, suggesting that Sharif's rhetoric was aimed more at a struggling domestic audience than the international community.
A Widening Diplomatic Chasm
Speaking to ANI, Waiel Awwad noted that the Pakistani government is currently grappling with significant political instability and a precarious economic landscape. He suggested that Sharif's speech was an attempt to distract from these internal crises. According to Awwad, the attempt to use the global stage to influence the Kashmir issue is destined to fail because "the Pakistanis understand that India will not compromise on the state of Jammu and Kashmir."
Awwad further observed that such provocative posturing is counterproductive, stating, "I believe the gap between India and Pakistan is widening day by day." He highlighted that while Pakistan attempts to use its territories to support secessionist movements, India remains steadfast in its position regarding the sovereignty of Jammu and Kashmir.
India's Stinging Rebuttal in New York
India did not remain silent, exercising its right of reply at the UNGA to deliver a sharp response to Islamabad's claims. Indian diplomat Petal Gehlot characterized Sharif's remarks as "bizarre" and turned the spotlight on Pakistan's history regarding global terrorism.
In a pointed critique, Gehlot reminded the Assembly of the presence of high-profile terrorists within Pakistan's borders. She specifically referenced the discovery of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, noting that he was found residing near a premier academy of the Pakistani Army. "The US just observed the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Its mastermind was living at the doorstep of Pakistan's Army's premier academy," she remarked.
Exposing Double Standards
The Indian delegation dismantled Islamabad's narrative regarding security and human rights, accusing the country of profound hypocrisy. Key points raised by the Indian representative included:
- Terrorism vs. Security: India asserted that Pakistan "claims to uphold security by day and perpetrates terrorism by night."
- Right to Self-Defence: New Delhi reiterated its sovereign right to defend itself against cross-border terror, warning that continued provocations will have consequences.
- The Reality of PoK: Rather than discussing Kashmir, India urged the world to look at the human rights violations occurring in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), specifically mentioning the situation in Rawalkot.
- Governance Issues: India dismissed Islamabad's lectures on democracy, describing the country as a regime controlled by the army.
India also addressed Sharif's attempt to involve third parties, specifically mentioning US President Donald Trump's claims of mediation. New Delhi has consistently rejected any third-party intervention in its bilateral matters, maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir is an "integral and inalienable part of India."
The diplomatic exchange serves as a reminder of the heightened tensions following events like Operation Sindoor, which India undertook last year to strike terror infrastructure in response to the Pahalgam attack. India concluded its stance by urging the international community to see through Pakistan's "mendacious" presentations and recognize its true policies.