Right of Reply by India under Agenda Item 4 : General Debate at the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Dr. P.R. Thulasidass, Under Secretary, Geneva, 23 March 2023 Right of Reply by India under Agenda Item 4 : General Debate at the 52nd Session of Human Rights Cou..

Right of Reply by India under Agenda Item 4 : General Debate at the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Dr. P.R. Thulasidass, Under Secretary, Geneva, 23 March 2023

Right of Reply by India under Agenda Item 4 : General Debate at the

52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Dr. P.R. Thulasidass, Under Secretary, Geneva, 23 March 2023 

Mr. President,

1.  I take the floor to exercise India’s Right of Reply to the statement delivered by Pakistan during the General Debate under Agenda item 4.

2.  The delegate of Pakistan referred to Jammu and Kashmir, which was, is and shall forever remain an integral part of India. Jammu and Kashmir is marching towards peace and prosperity along with the rest of India. This is despite Pakistan's repeated attempts to derail the process, through its active and sustained support to terror groups and its malicious disinformation campaign against India. The delegate of Pakistan has voiced Pakistan’s frustration due to its failure in its malicious propaganda against India.

Mr. President,

3.  The pluralistic democracy of India is mature enough to address any issues including those instigated from outside. India is a secular State and safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of our polity. What minorities receive in Pakistan are blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, discrimination, denial of basic rights and freedoms, enforced disappearances and killings. The extent of religious discrimination is reflected in the loss of life, liberty and property on the mere accusations of blasphemy laws. Pakistan today stands out as the country having more cases of blasphemy than the rest of the world put together in the past few years.

Mr. President,

4.  From a country where terrorists thrive and roam its streets with impunity, the world does not need lessons on democracy and human rights. Pakistan’s contribution as a leading exporter of terror and violence is unparalleled.

  • Can Pakistan deny the fact that it is home to as many as 150 UN designated terrorists and terrorist entities listed by the UN, and that these proscribed individuals have actively campaigned and contested in elections?
  • Can Pakistan deny the fact that impunity reigns supreme in the country as perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks continue to roam free?
  • Can Pakistan deny the fact that its leaders have openly called for Jihad against India?
  • Can Pakistan deny the fact that the world’s most wanted terrorist Osama bin Laden was found living in Pakistan near a military academy, sheltered and protected by the deep State?

Mr. President,

5.  We call on Pakistan to focus on the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities instead of engaging in futile propaganda and attempting to foment communal disharmony in India.

I thank you, Mr. President.