New York, Sep 27: India on Friday ridiculed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s claims of victory against India, asserting at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) that it will neither bow to nuclear blackmail nor tolerate terrorism.
“If destroyed runways and burnt hangars look like victory, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it,” said Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s UN Mission, exercising India’s Right of Reply. She called Sharif’s claims “absurd theatrics” and reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.
“Where terrorism is concerned, there will be no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors. Both will be held accountable,” Gahlot said. She accused Pakistan of glorifying terrorism, citing the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians, carried out by the Pakistan-sponsored terror group The Resistance Front (TRF).
Gahlot detailed that the ceasefire in May followed Pakistan pleading directly with India for cessation of hostilities after Indian forces struck multiple Pakistani airbases during Operation Sindoor, targeting terror dens in Pakistan.
“The truth is, Pakistan has long been steeped in exporting terrorism and has no shame in advancing the most ludicrous narratives to deflect blame,” she said, highlighting the destruction of terror camps in Bahawalpur and Muridke.
She also countered Sharif’s claim involving the US, stating that India-Pakistan issues are strictly bilateral, leaving “no room for any third party.”