Pakistan on Thursday blamed India and Afghanistan for the volatile security situation in the region, while denying charges that it is harboring terrorists who target both the countries. Striking a strident note against neighbors and portraying Pakistan as a victim of terrorism, its Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also sought the appointment of a special United Nations envoy on Kashmir and accused India of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr. Abbasi’s claims and allegations were refuted by both India and Afghanistan at the U.N General Assembly (UNGA). In a strongly worded reaction to Mr. Abbasi, India said Pakistan has become a "terroristan," and Jammu and Kashmir will remain an integral part of India. Eenam Gambhir, First Secretary in the Permanent Mission of India said: "In its short history, Pakistan has become a geography synonymous with terror. The quest for a land of pure has actually produced “the land of pure terror“. Pakistan is now ‘Terroristan’, with a flourishing industry producing and exporting global terrorism," she said. A representative of Pakistan responded to India’s reply, naming National Security Adviser Ajit Doval for allegedly pursuing a strategy of aggression against Pakistan.
Abbasi warns against another strike
The Pakistan PM told the UNGA that another strike by India on territory under its control would invite a matching retaliation by Pakistan. “…if India does venture across the LoC, or acts upon its doctrine of "limited" war against Pakistan, it will evoke a strong and matching response,” he said, adding that his country has "faced unremitting hostility" from India. He said India was trying to "divert the world’s attention from its brutalities," by ceasefire violations the LoC. “The Kashmir dispute should be resolved justly, peacefully and expeditiously.
Terming the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir the “most intense foreign military occupation in recent history,” Mr. Abbasi sought an international investigation into "India's crimes in Kashmir.” The Pakistan PM said India has responded to Kashmiris' demand for self-determination “with massive and indiscriminate force …shooting indiscriminately at children, women and youth,” adding that these "constitute war crimes."
Ms. Gambhir said Pakistan has been trying to dupe the rest of the world on the question of fighting terrorism. Islamabad has diverted international military and development aid towards creating "a dangerous infrastructure of terror on its own territory," she has said.
"Pak's globalisation of terror unparalleled"
"Pakistan is now speaking of the high cost of its terror industry. The polluter, in this case, is paying the price," she said, adding that Pakistan’s “globalisation of terror is unparalleled.” “Pakistan can only be counseled to abandon a destructive worldview that has caused grief to the entire world. If it could be persuaded to demonstrate any commitment to civilization, order, and to peace, it may still find some acceptance in the comity of nations," the Indian diplomat said.
Mr. Abbasi had said in his speech that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism credentials cannot be questioned. "After 9/11, it was Pakistani efforts that enabled the decimation of Al-Qaeda,” he said. Mr. Abbasi said 27,000 Pakistanis have died in its fight against terrorism. "We took the war to the terrorists. We have paid a heavy price," Mr. Abbasi said.
Kabul gives it back to Abbasi
Mr, Abbasi blamed Afghanistan for the security situation in the country, denying any role for Pakistan in supporting the Taliban. On the contrary, terrorists based in Afghanistan were launching attacks on Pakistan, he claimed.
Urging Pakistan to adopt a "constructive approach" in tackling terrorism in the region, Afghanistan said facts disprove Pakistan’s claim that it was not sheltering terrorists.
"Where was the mastermind of the international terrorist leader of al Qaeda Osama bin Laden killed. The answer is, near the capital of Pakistan Islamabad. Where the notorious leader of the Taliban, Mullah Omar died. Answer is, in a hospital in Karachi, Pakistan," the representative of Afghanistan said in response to Mr. Abbasi’s speech. "Where was my Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, the successor of Mullah Omar, found and killed by international forces? Answer is Balochistan of Pakistan. And guess, which country's passport he was using for travel to different locations? Again Pakistan. Where is the leadership of Quetta Shura in Peshawar Shura located at the very movement? The answer is the name of the locations mentioned speaks for themselves,” he said.
