Terrorism central to Pakistan’s foreign policy: India
New Delhi, Sep 27: India on Saturday sharply criticised Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), accusing its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of “absurd theatrics” and of once again glorifying terrorism. Responding to PM Sharif’s remarks at the 80th UNGA session, Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot said terrorism remains “central to their (Pakistan’s) foreign policy,” NDTV reported. Shehbaz Sharif, in his address on Friday, claimed Pakistan had faced “unprovoked aggression” from India earlier this year during Operation Sindoor, and lauded his armed forces for repelling the attack with “stunning professionalism, bravery and acumen.”
In her right of reply, Petal Gahlot countered: “No degree of drama and no level of lies can conceal the facts.
This is the very same Pakistan which, at the UN Security Council on 25 April 2025, shielded ‘The Resistance Front’, a Pakistani-sponsored terror outfit, from the responsibility of carrying out the barbaric massacre of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.” She accused Islamabad of being “long steeped in the tradition of deploying and exporting terrorism” and reminded the assembly that Pakistan sheltered al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden for a decade “even while pretending to partner in the war against terrorism.” On Sharif’s claim that Pakistan had “won the war” and now sought peace, Ms Gahlot said: “On May 10, Pakistan’s military pleaded with us directly for a cessation to the fighting. If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the Prime Minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it.”
Responding to Sharif’s call for a “composite, comprehensive and result-oriented dialogue” with India, Gahlot said, “If he is indeed sincere, the pathway is clear. Pakistan must immediately shut down all terrorist camps and hand over to us the terrorists wanted in India.”
Sharif also attacked India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack, calling any violation an “act of war” and vowing to defend Pakistan’s rights. He further thanked US President Donald Trump for allegedly facilitating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, claiming his intervention helped avert “catastrophic” consequences. India has consistently rejected such claims. Ms Gahlot reiterated that “any outstanding issue with Pakistan will be addressed bilaterally” and that “there is no room for any third party.” Concluding her remarks, she said: “Nor will we allow terrorism to be practised under the cover of nuclear blackmail. India will never bow to such threats. India’s message to the world is clear; there must be zero tolerance for terrorism.”
