‘Otherwise terrorists would be roaming the streets of London and New York’: Pak PM’s UNGA remarks spark controversy

In a major diplomatic gaffe, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted on the global platform that terrorists operate on Pakistani soil, asserting at the United Nations General Assembly (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 harbouring terrorists as a way to keep western countries safe.

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At the same time, he tried to emphasise that Pakistan was an ally of the West, highlighting its decades-long sacrifices in the fight against countering terrorism

In a further controversial remark, 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, however, 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, stressing 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.

Responding 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.”

Exercising India’s 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 practised 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.”