 "Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan, delivered a scathing reply to Pakistan at IPU Assembly in Geneva. Source: PTI")
During the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Geneva in Switzerland, India delivered a sharp critique of Pakistan, underlining the irony of receiving lectures on democracy from a nation notorious for its democratic deficiencies and its sponsorship of terrorism across borders. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, representing India, used his right of reply to address Pakistan’s criticisms of India directly.
Harivansh underscored India’s status as the world’s most populous democracy, which is widely regarded as an exemplar worth following. He remarked, “lectures by a country which has an abysmal track record of democracy is laughable, to say the least. It would have been better if Pakistan did not undermine the importance of a platform like IPU by such absurd allegations and false narratives.”
In response to Pakistan’s claims concerning Jammu and Kashmir, the Deputy Chairman reiterated India’s steadfast position regarding its territories. He declared that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh are, and forever will be, inseparable parts of India.
He said, “no amount of rhetoric and propaganda from anyone can override this fact. Instead, Pakistan would be well advised to stop its terror factories that continue to launch countless cross-border terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir while farcically claiming to champion the cause of human rights.”
Harivansh also pointed out Pakistan’s documented history of supporting terrorism, reminding the international community of significant instances that link Pakistan with global terrorism.
“Let me recall that Osama Bin Laden, the face of global terror, was found in Pakistan. The country holds the ignoble record of hosting one of the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the UN Security Council,” he stated.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHe concluded with a hopeful note that Islamabad might reflect on its actions and chart a course beneficial for its population’s well-being.
Leading the Indian delegation, Harivansh’s statements at the IPU were a direct condemnation of Pakistan’s actions and narrative regarding Jammu and Kashmir and its broader approach to terrorism and democracy.
With inputs from agencies