India criticized Pakistan for its hypocrisy in claiming to uphold international law while engaging in the brutal killing of civilians in Afghanistan, especially during the Islamic holy month. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported 750 civilian deaths and injuries in the first three months of 2026 due to cross-border armed violence by Pakistani military forces, primarily through air strikes. India’s Permanent Representative, P. Harish, highlighted Pakistan’s actions during an open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, had criticized India, bringing up Kashmir, to which Harish responded by questioning Pakistan’s credibility. He emphasized that Pakistan’s actions, including an airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul during Ramadan, resulted in the deaths of 269 civilians and injuries to 122 others. Harish condemned Pakistan’s disregard for international law and morality, pointing out the irony in Pakistan’s reference to internal Indian issues while engaging in such atrocities.
Quoting from the UNAMA report on cross-border civilian casualties in Afghanistan, Harish highlighted the impact of Pakistan’s attacks on Afghan civilians, leading to over 94,000 refugees. He also referenced Pakistan’s historical atrocities, including the genocidal acts committed during Bangladesh’s freedom struggle in 1971. Harish underscored Pakistan’s repeated resort to violence to deflect from internal failures, as evidenced by its actions both within and beyond its borders. The UNAMA report detailed Pakistan’s attacks across Afghanistan, noting the victims included women, girls, and boys.
