Clash at UNHRC: India and Pakistan Trade Accusations Over Human Rights

During the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, India sharply criticized Pakistan for what it described as 'hypocrisy' concerning human rights issues, bringing attention to the persecution of minorities within Pakistan. Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain pointed out the irony of Pakistan's actions, labeling it as one of the world's poorest human rights records attempting to lecture other nations.

Hussain accused Pakistan of misusing the UNHRC platform to propagate fabricated allegations against India, exposing its own double standards. He challenged Pakistan to address its internal issues, such as state-sponsored persecution and discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, instead of resorting to propaganda.

The diplomatic exchanges escalated when Pakistan's envoy, Abbas Sarwar, responded, using the right to reply at the 35th meeting. Sarwar accused India of trying to deflect international attention from the 'dire human rights situation' in Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated Pakistan's position on Kashmir and called out India's actions in Ladakh. Meanwhile, unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) intensifies, with protests erupting over government policies and unmet needs, leading to heightened tension and casualties. The Pakistani government has increased security measures in response. Additionally, a seminar in Geneva brought attention to human rights conditions in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)