At the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, India launched a sharp diplomatic counterattack against Pakistan over what it characterized as hypocrisy on human rights issues. Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain called it "deeply ironic" that a country with what he described as one of the worst human rights records globally was attempting to lecture others through what India considers fabricated allegations.
Hussain emphasized that Pakistan's consistent use of UN forums only underlined what India views as duplicity on human rights matters. The Indian representative urged Pakistan to cease propaganda against India and instead focus on addressing its own internal crises. He specifically highlighted concerns about the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities within Pakistan's borders.
During the 35th meeting of the council, Pakistan's envoy Abbas Sarwar exercised the right to reply, reiterating Islamabad's longstanding position on Jammu and Kashmir. Sarwar accused India of attempting to divert international attention from what Pakistan describes as the human rights situation in Kashmir and Ladakh. He referenced developments since August 2019, when India abrogated Article 370, characterizing these as "illegal measures" taken by New Delhi.
The diplomatic exchange occurred alongside reported unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where Nasir Aziz Khan, spokesperson of the United Kashmir People's National Party, addressed the council. Khan called for international intervention regarding what he described as intensifying repression in the region, mentioning a September 29 complete shutdown and wheel-jam strike organized by local groups.