NEW YORK (Dunya News) - Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar, on Monday said that India’s illegal occupation of Kashmir root cause of instability in South Asia.
Asim Iftikhar, while addressing a debate at the UN Security Council on peace, justice, and multilateralism, said that the rule of law is essential for peace, justice, and collective security. He said that respect for international law is facing a severe test today.
Asim Iftikhar said that unilateral actions have undermined international law, and when law bows to power or expediency, instability deepens, conflicts take stronger root, and peaceful coexistence comes under threat.
He said that attempts to normalize unilateral actions weaken collective security. Pakistan itself has faced such violations, and last year India committed aggression by violating Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Asim Iftikhar said that Pakistan exercised its right to self-defense in a responsible, cautious, and proportionate manner, and that Pakistan’s response made it clear that oppression is unacceptable under any circumstances. He added that the only standard between states is respect for international law.
Asim Iftikhar stated that any situation arising from coercion or exceptionalism is unacceptable, and that denying Kashmiris their right to self-determination constitutes a grave violation of human rights.
He said that India, through its oppression of Kashmiris in Jammu and Kashmir, is jeopardizing sustainable peace. India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a clear violation of international law, and such unilateral Indian actions are harming peace and security in the region.
The Permanent Representative further said that Pakistan rejects the concept of weaponizing water and other natural resources.