India Supports UN and Afghanistan Against Pakistans Attacks

New Delhi, June 9: India has strongly backed Afghanistan and the United Nations in response to Pakistan’s attacks, condemning Islamabad’s “reckless” violence against its neighbor.

During a session at the United Nations Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish stated, “Pakistan has questioned the intentions of UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) and the credibility of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ report.”

In the discussion regarding the situation in Afghanistan, Harish emphasized, “There is no alternative to multilateralism and the support of the United Nations that can be chosen or discarded at convenience.”

He pointed out that the airstrikes conducted by Pakistan during the holy month of Ramadan are a clear example of double standards concerning international law and the high principles of Islamic solidarity.

Harish reiterated the Secretary-General’s deep concern over civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes, cross-border firing, and targeted killings as outlined in the UNAMA report.

He expressed support for the Secretary-General’s appeal to uphold responsibilities under international law and ensure the safety of civilians.

Furthermore, he endorsed previous appeals from UNAMA for accountability, preventing future incidents, and upholding the rights of victims.

The report from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres indicated that between January 26 and March 31, 372 Afghan civilians were killed, and 392 were injured, primarily due to airstrikes and some from cross-border firing.

One airstrike on March 16 targeted the Omid Drug Rehabilitation Hospital in Kabul, resulting in at least 269 deaths and 122 injuries, most of whom were patients.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmed accused the Secretary-General’s report of attempting to shift the responsibility for Afghanistan’s situation onto external factors. He also raised serious questions about the credibility of UNAMA’s reporting and its nature of dialogue with the Taliban.

Iftikhar Ahmed described Pakistan’s actions as counter-terrorism measures. However, India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish countered, stating, “Labeling a massacre as a military operation does not absolve the perpetrator. Killing civilians, maiming them, and leaving them orphaned is not counter-terrorism.”

Harish emphasized India’s commitment to UNAMA and its mandate, expressing full support during this challenging time as it seeks to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan.