New Delhi: Once again, India has reminded Pakistan of its place. This is not the first time India has sharply rebuked Pakistan on foreign soil; such instances have occurred frequently in the past. India delivered a scathing response to the speech made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York. Exercising India’s Right of Reply at the United Nations, Petal Gehlot Shehlot, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission, aimed at Pakistan.
Shehlot took Pakistan to task, stating, “Earlier today, the General Assembly heard some bizarre remarks from the representative of Pakistan. This occurred at a time when New York City and the world have just observed the 25th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Bin Laden lived near the Pakistani army academy.
Petal Gehlot embarrassed Pakistan before the world. She emphasised the importance of this context, noting that Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks,s lived right next to the Pakistani army’s premier academy. Yet, today, the Pakistani representative expressed deep reverence for that very institution.
Gehlot further remarked that such behaviour is to be expected from what Pakistanis themselves call a “Form 47 government.” She stated, “We have heard hypocritical lectures on democratic rights and human values from a regime whose capital is currently being fortified against its own people.” She added that this is happening because it is a rule of the army, by the army, and for the army. “Their puppets may come and go, but should harbour no illusions about who actually makes the decisions.”
Pakistan has a long history of hatred and extremism.
Petal Gehlot stated that the reality of Pakistan is reflected in its 27th Amendment and the status accorded to its true ruler,r manifested in the form of lifelong immunity. He further stated that the views heard here came from those with a long history of extremism and hatred. They claim to uphold security during the day while actually perpetrating terrorism at night.
Meanwhile, addressing the issue of blasphemy laws, Gehlot said, Comments regarding religious intolerance were made in this General Assembly by those whose very foundation rests on blasphemy laws. The world knows how minorities are treated in Pakistan. No amount of pious rhetoric can mislead the world.
India’s firm stance on Jammu and Kashmir
Furthermore, India once again held up a mirror to Pakistan regarding the Jammu and Kashmir issue. Gehlot stated, “Reference was also made to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of my country.” He added, “If we must discuss Kashmir, let us turn our attention to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.”
