India Slams Pakistan in UN Over Civilian Killings in Afghanistan, Cites UNAMA Report on Cross-Border Attacks

United Nations, May 22026 : India launched a sharp attack on Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council, accusing Islamabad of hypocrisy for claiming to uphold international law while allegedly carrying out cross-border strikes that have killed civilians in Afghanistan, including during the Islamic holy month and near places of worship.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN P. Harish said Pakistan’s conduct stood in stark contradiction to its public statements on human rights and international law. Speaking during an open debate on “Protection of civilians in armed conflict,” convened under China’s presidency of the Council, Harish strongly rebutted Pakistan’s criticism of India over Kashmir.

Responding to remarks made by Pakistan’s envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Harish said, “With no faith, no law, and no morality, the world can see through Pakistan’s propaganda.” He added that it was “ironic” for Pakistan, which he described as having a “long-tainted record of genocidal acts,” to comment on issues that India considers strictly internal.

Citing findings from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Harish highlighted that Pakistan’s cross-border military actions have resulted in extensive civilian casualties in Afghanistan. According to the UNAMA Human Rights Service report titled Cross-border civilian casualties in Afghanistan, released on May 10, a total of 750 civilian deaths and injuries were documented in the first three months of 2026 alone, largely due to airstrikes carried out by Pakistani forces.

Quoting the report, he said a particularly devastating incident occurred in March during the holy month of Ramadan, when Pakistan allegedly carried out an airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul. “At a time of peace, reflection, and mercy, Pakistan conducted a barbaric airstrike,” Harish said, calling it a “cowardly and unconscionable act.”

He stated that the attack killed 269 civilians and injured 122 others at a facility that “can by no means be justified as a military target.” He further cited UNAMA’s observation that the strikes took place at the end of tarawih evening prayers, when many patients were leaving a nearby mosque.

Harish also said that over 94,000 people had been displaced or forced to flee as a result of cross-border violence affecting Afghan civilians. He accused Pakistan of repeatedly externalising its internal problems through aggression beyond its borders.

Referring to historical events, the Indian envoy alleged that Pakistan’s conduct reflects a broader pattern of violence, including what he described as atrocities committed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. He cited Operation Searchlight and alleged mass atrocities, stating that such actions form part of a “decades-long pattern” of behaviour.

“Such heinous acts of aggression by Pakistan should not come as a surprise from a country that bombs its own people and conducts systematic genocide,” Harish said, further intensifying his criticism.

The UNAMA report also noted that among the victims of recent cross-border incidents were 72 women, 48 girls, and 95 boys. It emphasised that international humanitarian law strictly prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, requiring parties in conflict to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants at all times.

The report further stressed that medical personnel and facilities are explicitly protected under international law, underscoring the severity of attacks on healthcare infrastructure.

India concluded its statement by reiterating that the international community must take note of the documented evidence and hold accountable those responsible for violations of humanitarian law.