ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Saima Saleem, addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on May 23, 2025, calling on India to cease state-sponsored terrorism and initiate meaningful dialogue. Her remarks came in response to India’s accusations following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which resulted in 26 deaths.
Pakistan’s Response to India’s Allegations
Saima Saleem criticized India’s approach, stating that “no amount of obfuscation can hide the facts.” She accused India of brazenly killing and maiming civilians in IIOJK and sponsoring terrorism globally. Saleem highlighted India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam incident, emphasizing that water should not be weaponized. She also pointed to the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and a foiled assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Singh in the United States as evidence of India’s involvement in global terrorism.
Call for Independent Investigation
Pakistan has consistently denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack and has called for a credible, impartial, and independent investigation. Saleem asserted that if India had nothing to hide, it should agree to such an inquiry. She also condemned India’s continued oppression of Kashmiris and its failure to comply with international law and UN resolutions.
India’s Response
In contrast, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, condemned Pakistan’s remarks as “grossly hypocritical,” accusing Pakistan of lacking the moral standing to speak on civilian protection issues. Harish emphasized India’s commitment to truth and accountability in international discourse, contrasting it with what he described as Pakistan’s alleged duplicity.
Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions
The exchange at the UNSC reflects the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Following the Pahalgam attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed the Wagah border. Pakistan responded by suspending all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Accord, and closing its airspace and land routes for all forms of traffic. The international community has expressed concern over the escalating situation, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging both nations to “step back from the brink” to prevent a military confrontation.
Pakistan maintains that dialogue is the only way to resolve issues and has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions on Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism. However, India has firmly rejected the possibility of such negotiations, emphasizing a continued focus on eradicating terrorism. The diplomatic impasse underscores the challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region
