New York:
India has flagged a Pakistan minister’s “open confession” to training and funding terrorists, at the United Nations, as tensions soared between the two nations in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif had admitted in a recent interview that his country has backed terrorism over the years. This confession was not surprising, and it exposed Pakistan as a “rogue state” that has been fuelling global terrorism, said Ambassador Yojna Patel, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative at the UN.
“The whole world has heard Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif admitting and confessing Pakistan’s history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations in a recent television interview. This open confession surprises no one and exposes Pakistan as a rogue state fuelling global terrorism and destabilizing the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye,” she said.
Ambassador Patel also slammed Pakistan for misusing and undermining the global forum to “indulge in propaganda and make baseless allegations against India.”
Her comments came at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VOTAN), which aims to provide a safe space to victims and survivors of terrorism and engage as advocates and peacebuilders.
The launch comes days after the massacre of 26 civilians vacationing at a tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
After the terror attack, Khwaja Asif was asked by a Sky News journalist about Pakistan’s role in backing terrorist organisations. “We have been doing this dirty work for the US for the past three decades, including the West and the UK,” he had said.
The Indian representative at the UN also thanked the global community for their “strong unequivocal support and solidarity” in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. This is a testimony to the international community’s zero tolerance for terrorism, she said,
“The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the largest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. Having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, India fully understands the long-lasting impact such acts have on victims, their families and society,” said Ms Patel.
She also reiterated the UN Security Council’s condemnation of the attack and said acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation. “We reiterate that terrorism in all its forms must be condemned unequivocally,” she added.
Ambassador Patel said the establishment of VOTAN is a significant step that will create a safe space for the victims of terror.
“The establishment of the Victims of Terrorism Association is a significant step in this regard. It will create a structured, safe space for victims to be heard and supported. India believes initiatives like VOTAN are essential to strengthening the global response to terrorism and ensuring that victims remain the centre of our collective efforts,” she said.