Pakistan rebuts India at UN, calls it ‘regional bully’

Pakistan forcefully rejected India’s accusations during a right of reply at the United Nations General Assembly, with Second Secretary Muhammad Rashid calling New Delhi a “regional bully” and a serial perpetrator of terrorism. He said Pakistan has sacrificed more than 90,000 lives combating militancy and remains a steadfast partner in global counter-terrorism efforts. Rashid criticised remarks by Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and condemned what he termed India’s attempt to distort Pakistan’s name at the UN. He argued such behaviour reflects frustration and undermines the dignity of the forum, describing it as petty rhetoric that offers no substantive argument. The Pakistani diplomat alleged that Indian intelligence networks have supported sabotage and targeted killings across borders, destabilising neighbouring states and violating international law. He said these actions, along with the mockery of a sovereign nation’s name, expose India’s “hegemonic designs” and xenophobic ideology in South Asia. Rashid reiterated that Pakistan seeks stability and peace in the region while retaining the right to defend itself under international law. He urged the international community to focus on evidence and legal standards rather than inflammatory labels, and to recognise Pakistan’s longstanding contributions to counter-terrorism. Referencing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s UNGA address, he underlined Islamabad’s willingness to pursue peace after defending its sovereignty, praising the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces. The statement closed with a call for responsible discourse at the UN and an end to provocations that inflame regional tensions.