ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim IftikharAhmad, strongly criticized India during a recent Security Council opendebate, declaring that no ‘new normal’ born out of coercion or impunity canever be acceptable. Speaking on the theme of reaffirming international ruleof law, the envoy highlighted Pakistan’s firm stance against attempts tonormalize aggressive actions or violations of established norms. Thisstatement came in response to ongoing bilateral frictions, particularlyfollowing India’s military operation known as Operation Sindoor in May2025, which targeted alleged terror infrastructure. Ahmad emphasized thatsuch unilateral measures undermine regional peace and multilateralprinciples enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
The debate, titled ‘Reaffirming International Rule of Law: Pathways toReinvigorating Peace, Justice, and Multilateralism’, provided a platformfor Pakistan to reiterate its position on disputed matters, including Jammuand Kashmir. The ambassador pointed out that any attempt to impose a statusquo through force or exceptionalism contradicts the spirit of internationallaw. He referenced Pakistan’s measured response to provocative actions,asserting that true stability cannot emerge from coercion. This positionaligns with Pakistan’s consistent advocacy for dialogue and peacefulresolution of disputes, as opposed to unilateral impositions that escalatetensions.
Data from United Nations records and bilateral exchanges indicate thatcross-border incidents have persisted, with accusations of state-sponsoredactivities on both sides. Pakistan has repeatedly called for internationalintervention to address what it describes as India’s hegemonic designs inthe region. The envoy’s remarks underscored the dangers of normalizing suchpatterns, which could erode trust in global institutions. Observers notethat such statements reflect broader geopolitical dynamics, where majorpowers often prioritize strategic interests over equitable enforcement ofnorms.
In the context of recent events, Operation Sindoor was launched by India inretaliation to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April22, 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives. Indian sources claim theoperation dismantled terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupiedKashmir, resulting in significant casualties among militants. Pakistan,however, has contested this narrative, labeling it as an act of aggressionthat violated sovereignty. The ambassador’s assertion that no ‘new normal’rooted in jabr (coercion) or istithna (exception) is tolerable directlychallenges attempts to legitimize such military actions as routine.
Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach at the United Nations has historicallyfocused on highlighting human rights concerns and the need forself-determination in disputed territories. Ahmad’s interventionhighlighted the selective application of international law, where powerfulstates often evade accountability. Reports from multilateral forums revealthat Pakistan has raised similar issues multiple times, seeking resolutionsthat promote justice. This approach aims to garner support from the GlobalSouth and other member states wary of unilateralism.
The envoy further stressed the importance of multilateralism inreinvigorating peace processes. By rejecting a forced ‘new normal’,Pakistan positions itself as a defender of established legal frameworksagainst exceptionalism. This stance resonates amid growing calls for UNreforms to ensure fair representation and enforcement. Analysts point outthat such debates expose fractures in the international system, whereenforcement mechanisms often favor dominant actors.
Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors continue to drawinternational attention, with calls for restraint from major powers.Pakistan maintains that sustainable peace requires addressing root causes,including unresolved disputes dating back to 1947. The ambassador’s remarksserve as a reminder that coercive measures cannot substitute for genuinenegotiations. Data on regional security incidents show fluctuations, yetdiplomatic channels remain limited.
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Pakistan’s permanent mission at the UN has consistently used open debatesto counter narratives perceived as biased. The envoy’s statement reinforcesIslamabad’s policy of non-acceptance of imposed realities, advocatinginstead for adherence to principles of equity and justice. This diplomaticposture aims to build consensus among member states on upholding rule oflaw without exceptions driven by power imbalances.
The broader implications of such exchanges affect South Asian stability,where economic cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts are oftenovershadowed by political rivalries. Pakistan urges the internationalcommunity to prioritize dialogue over confrontation, warning thatnormalized coercion could set dangerous precedents globally.
Source:https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india-pakistan-news/not-normal-to-tolerate-terrorism-india-rebukes-pakistan-at-unsc-over-operation-sindoor-claims
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