Pakistan slams India as ‘rogue state’ in strong right of reply at UN human rights council

Danyal Hasnain lists series of serious allegations against New Delhi

Celina Ali

Islamabad: In a scathing rebuttal delivered during the 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Pakistan Thursday denounced India as a “rogue state,” accusing it of serial violations of international law, human rights, and regional peace.

The remarks were made by Mr. Danyal Hasnain, Second Secretary at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, during the Right of Reply under Agenda Item 9.

Responding to India’s earlier statement, Mr. Hasnain listed a series of serious allegations against New Delhi, asserting that India’s conduct fits the very definition of a rogue state. “A rogue state is one that holds international law in utter contempt, illegally occupies UN-recognized disputed territory, and systematically violates the rights of those under its control,” he stated.

Drawing attention to the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), the Pakistani diplomat accused India of perpetuating its occupation in defiance of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. He further condemned the alleged demolition of civilian homes, collective punishment, demographic manipulation, and institutionalized human rights abuses in the occupied territory.

He noted that India’s actions extended beyond its borders, citing extraterritorial assassinations, attacks on Pakistani civilians, and deliberate efforts to stoke terrorism within Pakistan. “India not only stifles dissent domestically but has also exported its repression abroad,” Mr. Hasnain said, adding that such actions endanger regional and global peace.

Referring to India’s cross-border military actions and threats to Pakistan’s water security, he said, “This rogue state has brought the region to the brink of a nuclear conflict with its reckless behavior.”

The Pakistani envoy also made an emotional appeal, highlighting the killing of his friend and former classmate, Mr. Hidayatullah Jamote—a civil servant who was reportedly martyred in Balochistan in a terrorist attack allegedly orchestrated by India-backed groups. “His only crime was choosing service to Pakistan over succumbing to the propaganda of India-sponsored terrorists,” Hasnain said.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty, Mr. Hasnain concluded, “Pakistan will respond to any challenge—whether from India’s military, its terrorist proxies, or any other threat—with all means at our disposal.”

The strong-worded statement marks yet another flashpoint in the diplomatic hostilities between the two South Asian neighbours, with both sides routinely accusing each other of destabilizing activities and rights violations. Pakistan’s response follows India’s own Right of Reply earlier in the session, underscoring the deeply entrenched tensions on international platforms.