New York: India has criticised Pakistan at the United Nations over alleged shortcomings in protecting minority communities, while accusing its military of exercising significant influence over the country’s political leadership.
The remarks were delivered by India’s First Secretary to the UN, Raghoo Puri, during an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee on October 25.
Puri questioned Pakistan’s decision to raise allegations against India at international forums, arguing that Islamabad should also address concerns within its own borders. He referred to the situation of minority communities in Pakistan and the controversy surrounding the country’s 2024 general elections.
India Raises Questions Over Pakistan’s Military Influence
During the discussion, Puri used the term “Form 47 government” to describe Pakistan’s administration and alleged that the military remained a decisive force behind the country’s political leadership.
Form 47 is an official Pakistani election document used to record consolidated constituency results. Pakistan’s 2024 general elections were followed by disputes and allegations concerning the electoral process and the reported results.
India invoked that controversy to question the political circumstances in Pakistan, alleging that elected leaders operated under the military’s influence. These assertions formed part of New Delhi’s criticism during the UN session.
Pakistan’s Minority Rights Record Comes Under Scrutiny
Puri also raised concerns about the demographic position of minority communities in Pakistan, pointing to what India described as a decline in their share of the population.
He urged Islamabad to focus on issues affecting its own citizens rather than concentrating on allegations against India in international forums.
The remarks were made during a discussion specifically addressing minority issues, placing the treatment and protection of minority communities at the centre of India’s criticism of Pakistan.
India Rejects Pakistan’s Claims On Jammu And Kashmir
Puri also reiterated India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir, rejecting Pakistan’s claims concerning the region.
He maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and said the unresolved issue was the vacation of territories under what New Delhi describes as Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
The statement reflected India’s longstanding position on the dispute, which continues to shape relations between the two countries.
New Delhi Defends Its Minority Rights Framework
Responding to criticism, Puri described India as a society characterised by religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity. He cited constitutional safeguards and the participation of minority communities in public administration, the armed forces, industry and cultural life.
He further argued that individual governments bear the primary responsibility for protecting the rights of minorities within their territories.
The exchange at the UN highlighted the continuing diplomatic friction between India and Pakistan, with New Delhi using the discussion to challenge Islamabad’s allegations and draw attention to questions concerning minority protection, electoral disputes and the role of the military in Pakistan’s political system.
