Pakistan addressed the UN General Assembly, asserting that India was targeting Indian Muslims, Christians and Muslims in occupied Kashmir, and urged an end to their harsh suppression. Ambassador Munir Akram stated during a debate on 'Culture of Peace' that since the BJP-RSS government took office in 2014, hate, oppression and violence against India’s 200 million Muslims, as well as other minorities like Christians and the 'lower-caste' Dalits, became rampant and systematic, driven by the ideology of Hindutva. The envoy emphasised that unless Hindutva fascism was opposed and the impunity of the BJP-RSS ended, wider violence and conflict in South Asia would remain a real and present danger. Despite efforts to promote a "Culture of Peace," Akram noted a rise in hate, violence and war worldwide, with over 300 conflicts raging across the globe. Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts to combat Islamophobia, Akram expressed deep concern at the officially sanctioned manifestations of Islamophobia in India, citing the Citizenship Law and National Registry list designed to exclude Muslims from citizenship.

The envoy warned of the spread of Hindutva extremism, which he said turbo-charged repression in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He called for urgent resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Akram also highlighted India's belligerence towards Pakistan, citing threats from Indian officials to "take over" Azad Kashmir and dangerous military doctrines adopted by India. He accused India of financing and sponsoring terrorist groups to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and highlighted Pakistan's concerns over India's campaign of targeted assassinations, even beyond its borders. Akram emphasised the urgent need for the international community to address these issues and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to peace and stability in the region.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan