In a scathing rebuttal delivered at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India dismissed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech as “absurd theatrics” and accused Islamabad of glorifying terrorism while hiding behind a façade of peace.
Exercising India’s Right of Reply, Petal Gahlot, first secretary at India’s permanent mission to the UN, delivered a sharply worded response, calling out Pakistan’s continued patronage of terror outfits and hypocrisy in international fora. “No degree of drama can conceal facts. Prime Minister Sharif’s speech once again glorified terrorism — a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy,” Gahlot said.
Referring to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Gahlot accused Pakistan of directly supporting groups responsible for massacres in Jammu and Kashmir. She also cited an incident from April 2025, when Pakistan allegedly shielded the Pakistani-sponsored Resistance Front from accountability during a UN Security Council meeting.
She added that India’s Operation Sindoor, targeting terror bases in Bahawalpur and Muridke, had exposed Pakistan’s deep-rooted terror infrastructure. “A picture speaks a thousand words,” she said, referencing images of slain terrorists in Pakistani territory, taken during the operation. “If Pakistan truly desires peace, the pathway is clear — shut down terrorist camps and hand over wanted terrorists to India.”
She called it “ironic” that a country built on “hate, bigotry, and intolerance” would lecture the global community on matters of faith and coexistence.
Slamming Sharif’s recounting of recent India-Pakistan tensions as “bizarre,” Gahlot revealed that on May 10, Pakistan’s military pleaded directly with India to cease hostilities — a day after Indian strikes reportedly destroyed multiple Pakistani air bases.
India shreds Pakistan’s cynical playbook at UN “If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the Prime Minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it,” Gahlot quipped.
Citing public admissions by Pakistani ministers about long-standing terror camps, Gahlot emphasized India’s uncompromising stance:
“There will be no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors. India will not allow terrorism to be practiced under the cover of nuclear blackmail.”
She also reiterated India’s longstanding position that all bilateral issues with Pakistan — including Kashmir — must be resolved without third-party interference.
“The truth is clear - Pakistan is once again responsible for a terrorist attack on innocent civilians in India. India will continue to exercise its right to defend its people,” Gehlot added.