21 May,2026 10:18 AM IST | United Nations | mid-day online correspondent
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India launched a sharp attack on Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council, accusing Islamabad of hypocrisy over its claims of supporting international law while allegedly carrying out attacks that have caused civilian deaths in Afghanistan.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, raised the issue during a Security Council debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The discussion was chaired by China as part of the council's ongoing deliberations on humanitarian concerns in conflict zones.
The exchange took place after Pakistan's envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad mentioned Kashmir during his address to the council.
Responding strongly, Harish said, "With no faith, no law, and no morality, the world can see through Pakistan's propaganda."
During his remarks, Harish referred extensively to a recent report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which documented civilian casualties linked to cross-border violence.
According to the report, around 750 civilian deaths and injuries were recorded in Afghanistan during the first three months of 2026 due to cross-border armed violence allegedly involving Pakistani military forces. Most of the casualties were reportedly caused by air strikes.
Harish accused Pakistan of speaking about international humanitarian law while allegedly targeting innocent civilians.
"It is hypocritical to espouse high principles of international law while targeting innocent civilians in the dark," he told the Security Council.
India also raised concerns over an alleged attack on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul during the holy month of Ramadan.
Citing the UNAMA Human Rights Service report titled "Cross-border civilian casualties in Afghanistan", Harish said the air strike killed hundreds of civilians and injured many others.
According to the figures cited by India, 269 civilians lost their lives in the attack, while another 122 were injured. Harish argued that the medical facility could not be considered a legitimate military target under international humanitarian law.
He also quoted findings from the report stating that the strikes occurred after evening prayers, when patients were leaving the mosque located inside the hospital premises.
The UNAMA report also documented the impact of the violence on vulnerable groups, including women and children. According to the figures presented during the debate, the victims included 72 women, 48 girls and 95 boys.
India further claimed that more than 94,000 people had been displaced due to cross-border violence affecting Afghan civilians.
The report emphasised that international humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. It also noted that hospitals, healthcare workers and medical personnel are entitled to special protection during armed conflicts.
Harish also referred to Pakistan's actions during Bangladesh's 1971 liberation war, alleging that Islamabad had a history of violence against civilians.
Mentioning Operation Searchlight, he accused Pakistan of carrying out atrocities during the conflict and said such actions reflected attempts to deflect attention from internal challenges through external aggression.
The heated exchange at the UN comes amid continued tensions between India and Pakistan on issues related to terrorism, regional security and cross-border violence.
(With inputs from IANS)
