NEW DELHI: India on Thursday slammed Pakistan at UN for misusing the platform and driving its “divisive agenda” after Islamabad’s envoy raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in the General Assembly.Permanent Mission of India to the UN Eldos Mathew Punnoose accused Pakistan of spreading baseless allegations and falsehoods and portray a picture that is completely detached from reality.“At a time when member states have to rise beyond their narrow considerations, Pakistan continues to misuse all platforms and processes in the UN to drive their divisive agenda. This forum is no exception either and Pakistan made an unwarranted reference to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, an integral and inalienable part of India,” Punnoose said.“The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle enshrined in the UN Charter. However, this right must not be abused to encourage secession in pluralistic and democratic states. Though habituated, Pakistan would do well if they do not resort to baseless allegations and falsehoods and portray a picture that is completely detached from reality,” he said.He also said that the Global South has its unique set of developmental challenges that cut across development financing and climate justice and financing, among other areas. This comes after Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad made a reference to Jammu and Kashmir during his address in the General Assembly.Pannoose also emphasised that UN’s inability to purposefully intervene on its critical functions leads to questions related to efficacy, legitimacy and credibility.“This is quite pronounced in case of maintenance of international peace and security. As conflicts rage across different parts of the globe, the world hopes the UN to deliver, to put an end to human suffering and misery,” he said.
