UN Security Council Emergency Session on India-Pakistan Tensions over Kashmir and Water Dispute
Background: Rising Tensions in Kashmir
Tensions escalated after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people—mostly Indian Hindu tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the incident, without presenting evidence. Pakistan denied the allegations and demanded a neutral investigation.
UNSC Closed-Door Meeting Requested by Pakistan
Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the 15-nation UN Security Council, requested an emergency in-camera session.
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Pakistan’s UN envoy Ambassador Asim Iftikhar briefed the council.
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All 15 member states, including the five permanent veto powers, attended.
Pakistan's Key Objectives and Statements
According to Ambassador Iftikhar:
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The meeting largely achieved Pakistan’s objectives.
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Several members recognized the need for peaceful resolution of Kashmir in line with UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
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He emphasized the need for principled diplomacy and adherence to international law, not unilateral actions.
India’s Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, vowing to block water flow to Pakistan.
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Pakistan considers this a "declaration of war" and placed its military on high alert.
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A formal complaint was lodged with the UNSC.
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Iftikhar: "Water is life, not a weapon."
Human Rights Concerns in Kashmir
Pakistan highlighted human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir, including:
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Extrajudicial killings
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Arbitrary arrests and disappearances
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Torture and demolition of homes
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Media restrictions and suppression of self-determination
Support from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
The 57-member OIC backed Pakistan:
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Condemned India’s "unfounded allegations"
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Called for implementation of UNSC resolutions on Kashmir
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Reaffirmed support for a plebiscite in the disputed region
Historical Context
India and Pakistan have fought three wars, two of which were over Kashmir.
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Kashmir remains divided, but both nations claim it in full.
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An armed insurgency has persisted in Indian-administered Kashmir since 1989.
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India has stationed nearly 500,000 troops in the region.
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Tens of thousands—mainly civilians—have been killed.
