India has strongly condemned Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing it of fuelling global terrorism in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, including 25 tourists and one local resident.
Speaking at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) in New York, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Yojna Patel, drew global attention to a Pakistani minister’s public admission of supporting terrorism. She referred to Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif’s recent television interview, where he acknowledged that Pakistan had backed terrorist activities for decades.
“The whole world has heard Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif admitting and confessing Pakistan’s history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organisations. This open confession surprises no one and exposes Pakistan as a rogue state fuelling global terrorism and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye,” Ambassador Patel said.
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has been described as the deadliest assault on civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. Ambassador Patel underlined that India has long suffered from cross-border terrorism and understands the deep and lasting impact such attacks have on victims, their families, and societies.
Khwaja Asif, responding to questions in the interview shortly after the Pahalgam incident, said, “We have been doing this dirty work for the US for the past three decades, including the West and the UK,” acknowledging Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism under the guise of foreign alliances.
Ambassador Patel also criticized Pakistan for misusing international platforms to spread propaganda and make baseless allegations against India. She expressed India’s appreciation for the global solidarity received after the Pahalgam attack, calling it a strong reflection of the international community’s zero tolerance for terrorism.
“This is a testimony to the international community’s zero tolerance for terrorism. We reiterate that terrorism in all its forms must be condemned unequivocally,” she said.
Highlighting the significance of the newly launched VoTAN initiative, Ambassador Patel said it would create a structured and safe platform for victims to be heard and supported. She added, “India believes that initiatives like VoTAN are essential to strengthening the global response to terrorism, ensuring that victims remain at the centre of our collective efforts.”
-IANS
