Geneva (National Times) Exercising Pakistan’s Right of Reply during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Counsellor Abbas Qureshi firmly rejected what he described as India’s “misleading, unfounded and fabricated allegations,” stating that such assertions were an attempt to deflect attention from its own human rights record through denial, deception, disinformation and selective narratives.

Responding to India’s remarks, the Pakistani delegate underscored that several United Nations Security Council resolutions have affirmed the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through a free and impartial plebiscite. He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains a disputed territory pending its final settlement in accordance with the will of its people.

Highlighting the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), he noted that numerous reports by international experts have documented mass graves, torture, communication blackouts, arbitrary detentions and other gross human rights violations. He stated that India’s continued denial of these realities places it “firmly on the wrong side of history.”

The Pakistani delegate also called on India to cease what he termed its policy of weaponizing water. Referring to the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, he described the move as a flagrant violation of international law that threatens the lives and livelihoods of 240 million people in Pakistan.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to raising concerns regarding human rights, international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes at multilateral forums, including the United Nations Human Rights Council.