India Calls Out Pakistan's Violent Record at UN Amid Afghan Civilian Casualties

In a powerful address at the UN Security Council, India condemned Pakistan's military actions that have led to significant civilian casualties in Afghanistan. Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni criticized Pakistan's history of violence and its hypocrisy in discussing international law while committing atrocities. He highlighted alarming statistics from the UN regarding civilian deaths and injuries due to cross-border violence, emphasizing the need for accountability and comprehensive measures to protect civilians. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of terrorism and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, calling for adherence to humanitarian principles.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2026, 11:04 IST

India's Strong Statement at the UN Security Council

United Nations: During a recent session at the UN Security Council, India condemned the civilian casualties in Afghanistan attributed to cross-border violence from Pakistani military forces, labeling these actions as 'heinous acts' of aggression. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, emphasized that such behavior should not be unexpected from a nation known for its internal violence and systematic oppression.

In response to remarks made by Pakistan's UN envoy, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, regarding Jammu and Kashmir, Parvathaneni highlighted Pakistan's 'long-tainted record' of genocidal actions. He pointed out that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported 750 civilian casualties in the first quarter of 2026 due to Pakistani military operations, primarily air strikes.

The UNAMA's findings indicated that nearly all incidents of civilian harm were linked to Pakistani security forces. Parvathaneni recalled a particularly brutal airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul during Ramadan, which resulted in 269 civilian deaths and 122 injuries, asserting that such a facility could never be justified as a military target.

He criticized Pakistan for its hypocrisy in advocating for international law while committing acts of violence against innocent civilians. The strikes occurred after evening prayers, when many patients were leaving the mosque, further underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the attacks.

Parvathaneni also mentioned that over 94,000 individuals have been displaced due to cross-border violence against Afghan civilians. He reiterated that such aggressive actions from Pakistan should not be surprising, given its history of internal oppression, including the infamous Operation Searchlight in 1971, which involved widespread atrocities against women.

He stated that Pakistan's actions reflect its attempts to externalize its internal failures through violence, lacking faith, law, and morality. Parvathaneni noted that Pakistan ignored calls from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to uphold international obligations regarding civilian protection.

India expressed ongoing concerns about the threat of cross-border terrorism, which undermines regional stability and international security. Parvathaneni asserted that India has suffered from terrorism for decades and that nations supporting such activities must be held accountable.

He emphasized that terrorism in all forms poses a significant threat to civilians globally, stating that no justification exists for targeting innocent lives. He also highlighted the dangers posed by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and the concerning trend of drone warfare.

Parvathaneni concluded by stressing that the protection of civilians cannot rely solely on humanitarian efforts; a comprehensive approach is necessary to address the targeted violence against civilians for political ends.