Sharif remarks at UNGA spark controversy ‘terrorists would roam the streets of London, NY
By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – Pakistan Premier Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday in a diplomatic faux pas, admitted that Pakistan harbours terrorists on its soil, claimed that confronting them is Pakistan’s contribution to the world.
In a major diplomatic gaffe, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted on the global platform that terrorists operate on Pakistani soil, asserted at the UNGA that if they had not been confronted there, they “would be roaming the streets of London and New York.”
Sharif’s blunder at the UNGA, including the claim that “not letting terrorists roam in the US and UK is a humble contribution of Pakistan to itself and the world.” He appears to be justifying that Pakistan is harboring terrorists as a way to keep western countries safe.
He tried to emphasize that Pakistan was an ally of the West, highlighting its decades-long sacrifices in the fight against countering terrorism
Sharif warned that “Hindu extremism is extremely dangerous for the world.”
He also referenced US President Donald Trump, claiming that Trump “facilitated” a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
India rejected these claims. Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s UN Mission, said that Pakistan had “pleaded” for a ceasefire following Operation Sindoor in May, stressed that no third party was involved.
“India and Pakistan have long agreed that any outstanding issue between them will be addressed bilaterally. There is no room for any third party in that regard. This is our longstanding national position,” Gahlot said.
She responded to Sharif’s assertion that Pakistan had won the conflict, she ridiculed the claim, noting, “If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the Prime Minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it. We have won the war.”
India exercised right of reply to Sharif’s “absurd theatrics,” Gahlot dismantled his accusations, reiterating India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.
“Where terrorism is concerned, we are making it clear that there will be no distinction between the terrorists and their sponsors. Both will be held accountable,” she said.
“Nor will we allow terrorism to be practiced under the cover of nuclear blackmail. India will never bow to such threats. Our message to the world is clear: there must be zero tolerance for terrorism.”
Gahlot added that terrorism remains “central” to Pakistan’s foreign policy, pointing out that Islamabad continues to glorify and protect terrorists.
“No degree of drama or level of lies can conceal the facts,” she said, underlining that Pakistan “again glorified terrorism, which is so central to their foreign policy.”
