New Delhi accuses Islamabad of using UN platform for false claims while ignoring domestic crisis

India strongly criticized Pakistan at the United Nations for trying to shift focus away from its own internal troubles. First Secretary Raghoo Puri told the UN General Assembly's Third Committee that Islamabad brought up baseless charges against New Delhi to hide issues like a weak economy, widespread lawlessness, and human rights abuses in places like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Mr. Puri pointed out that Pakistan's civilian setup functions under the strict control of the military, which remains the true authority in the country. He noted that the administration relies on a contested electoral mandate, pointing to the 2024 polls where critics used the term Form 47 to highlight vote manipulation. Addressing minority rights, the Indian diplomat stated that Pakistan's non-majority populations have dropped sharply since independence. In contrast, he described India as a deeply diverse nation where minority groups hold top positions in government, the armed forces, culture, and business.

Context

Discussions at the United Nations often see nations trading charges on domestic governance and human rights records. The UN General Assembly's Third Committee specifically handles social, humanitarian, and cultural matters, making it a frequent venue for such diplomatic friction.