Pakistan raises Kashmir issue at UN Security Council

NEW YORK: Pakistan on Wednesday rejected India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir during a United Nations Security Council session, with Pakistani diplomat Saima Saleem stating that the dispute remains unresolved and calling for adherence to relevant UN resolutions.

Addressing the Council, Pakistan’s Counsellor to the United Nations, Saima Saleem, said Jammu and Kashmir is not an internal matter of India and cannot be considered its integral part, arguing that the issue continues to remain on the international agenda.

She said India had previously brought the Kashmir dispute before the United Nations but was now disregarding Security Council resolutions related to the matter.

Saleem highlighted what she described as differences between Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), alleging that people in IIOJK face restrictions, detentions and human rights challenges.

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She reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and said the issue requires a peaceful resolution in accordance with international commitments.

During her address, Saleem also raised concerns over regional security, accusing India of supporting terrorism-related activities and referring to the Kulbhushan Jadhav case in connection with Pakistan’s allegations.

She further criticised India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, saying that water resources should not be used as a means of political or military pressure and stressing the importance of respecting international agreements.

The Pakistani diplomat also expressed concerns over rising religious tensions in India, alleging that extremist ideologies have contributed to increased Islamophobia.

Earlier, Pakistan urged the United States to play a constructive role in encouraging India to address human rights concerns in Kashmir and release political prisoners.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, during a weekly press briefing, recalled the anniversaries of Kashmiri leaders Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone, who were killed in 1990 and 2002 respectively.

He also remembered the 70 Kashmiris who lost their lives while carrying Mirwaiz Farooq’s coffin during funeral proceedings, saying that lack of accountability for such incidents remains a serious concern.

Pakistan said it will continue highlighting the Kashmir dispute at international forums, while the latest discussion at the UN Security Council reflects continued diplomatic differences between Pakistan and India over the issue.