‘Hypocritical to preach international law’: India hits back at Pakistan at UNSC over Jammu & Kashmir remarks

India on Wednesday strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accusing Islamabad of a “long-tainted record of genocidal acts” and alleging involvement in cross-border violence that has resulted in civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

Responding during the UNSC Annual Open Debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, India’s representative Harish Parvathaneni rejected remarks made by Pakistan’s envoy on Jammu and Kashmir.

“It is hypocritical to espouse high principles of international law while targeting innocent civilians in the dark,” he said.

India cites UN findings

The Indian envoy referred to assessments by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), claiming the organisation had documented 750 civilian deaths and injuries during the first three months of 2026 due to cross-border violence allegedly linked to Pakistani military action.

According to his remarks, most casualties were attributed to airstrikes, with Pakistani security forces allegedly responsible for 94 of 95 recorded incidents involving civilian harm.

Allegations over Kabul hospital strike

Parvathaneni also accused Pakistan of carrying out an airstrike on Kabul’s Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital during Ramadan earlier this year.

He described the alleged attack as “barbaric,” claiming it resulted in 269 civilian deaths and left another 122 injured.

“Again, according to UNAMA, this cowardly and unconscionable act of violence claimed the lives of 269 civilians and injured a further 122 in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target,” he said.

He added that the strike allegedly occurred after evening tarawih prayers when patients were leaving the mosque.

The envoy also raised concerns over displacement in Afghanistan, saying UNAMA estimates suggested that more than 94,000 people had been displaced due to cross-border violence.

Reference to 1971 war

During his remarks, Parvathaneni also referred to Pakistan’s role during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, alleging that the country had supported systematic mass violence.

He further accused Pakistan of repeatedly attempting to shift attention away from domestic challenges through external conflicts and propaganda.

In his concluding remarks, he said civilian protection must remain at the centre of the Security Council’s efforts to preserve international peace and security.

India has repeatedly pushed back against Pakistan’s statements at the United Nations in recent years, arguing that Islamabad has used international platforms to target New Delhi and advance what India calls a misleading narrative.