NEW YORK: Tensions between South Asian rivals flared at the United Nations General Assembly this week as Pakistan leveled serious allegations against India, accusing it of orchestrating a covert terrorist network aimed at destabilising the region.
During the 80th session of the UNGA, Pakistan’s Second Secretary Muhammad Rashid delivered a sharply worded response to India’s earlier remarks, describing India’s actions as “extremely low and shameful.” He accused New Delhi of sponsoring cross-border terrorism and alleged that Indian intelligence agencies are involved in orchestrating targeted assassinations and sabotage across international borders.
Also read: Shehbaz says Pakistan won war against India, now wants peace
“Indian intelligence officials are not only providing financial support to disruptive elements, but are also actively engaging in operations that threaten regional stability,” Rashid said. “Violations of international law have become a habitual practice for India.”
Rashid criticised what he called India’s “two-faced policy” on counter-terrorism, accusing it of perpetuating the very violence it claims to oppose. “Instead of combating terrorism, India is fueling it – both within its own borders and abroad,” he said.
He also said that India’s operations are not limited to political or diplomatic spheres but involve direct action through proxies. As evidence, Rashid cited the 2016 arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national whom Pakistan claims is a serving intelligence officer involved in subversive activities.
Touching on the recent incident in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Rashid labeled it a “pre-planned game” by Indian authorities and reiterated Pakistan’s offer to investigate the matter jointly. “To date, India has failed to present any credible evidence regarding the incident,” he said.
Rashid also recalled Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism, noting that the country has lost over 90,000 lives. “We have paid a heavy price in the war on terror, yet our neighbor continues to act as both instigator and aggressor,” he said.
Also read: PM Sharif, Field Marshal Munir meet US President Trump at the Oval Office
Addressing broader regional concerns, Rashid said Pakistan remains committed to peace in Afghanistan and the wider South Asian region. “The 1.9 billion people of South Asia deserve peace and prosperity,” he said, reiterating that dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect are essential for lasting progress.
He concluded by urging India to abandon its “extremist ideologies” and join the path of peace. “If India truly desires regional stability, it must choose diplomacy over aggression,” Rashid said.