India Slams Pakistan at UN, Backs Afghanistan and UN Mission Amid Security Council Debate

United Nations: India strongly defended Afghanistan and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) at the UN Security Council, while sharply criticising Pakistan over its military actions and comments questioning UN reports on the situation in Afghanistan.

Speaking during a Security Council discussion on Afghanistan, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, P Harish, rejected Pakistan's criticism of UNAMA and the reports presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Harish emphasized that support for multilateral institutions and the United Nations cannot be selective, saying countries cannot choose when to uphold or disregard international mechanisms.

India also took aim at Pakistan's military operations inside Afghanistan, describing Islamabad's actions as inconsistent with its public stance on international law and regional solidarity. Referring to airstrikes carried out during the holy month of Ramadan, Harish called them an example of "hypocrisy."

Highlighting concerns raised in UN reports, he reiterated India's support for the Secretary-General's call for adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. India also backed demands for impartial investigations into civilian casualties and accountability for violations.

According to the Secretary-General's report, hundreds of Afghan civilians were killed or injured between January and March this year, with airstrikes accounting for the majority of casualties. The report also documented attacks involving cross-border firing and targeted killings.

One of the most serious incidents cited was an airstrike on the Omid Drug Rehabilitation Hospital in Kabul, which reportedly resulted in heavy civilian casualties, including patients receiving treatment at the facility.

Responding to Pakistan's defence of the strikes as counter-terrorism operations, Harish stated that civilian deaths cannot be justified under the guise of military action.

“Dressing up a massacre as a military operation does not absolve the perpetrator,” he said, adding that the killing and maiming of civilians cannot be described as counter-terrorism.

India also reaffirmed its support for UNAMA, stressing the mission's vital role in promoting peace, stability and humanitarian engagement in Afghanistan during a challenging period for the country.

Pakistan's envoy, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, had earlier questioned the credibility of UNAMA's reporting and argued that international assessments were failing to adequately address security threats emanating from Afghanistan.

The exchange underscored continuing tensions between India and Pakistan over regional security issues and the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
 

WIth inputs from IANS