New York, Sep 27 (NationPress) In a forceful and pointed rebuttal, India criticized Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statements during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), accusing him of romanticizing terrorism and misrepresenting the realities of the India-Pakistan conflict.

The response came from Petal Gahlot, First Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, who made a compelling address shortly after Sharif's comments.

“Today’s Assembly was treated to absurd theatrics from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who yet again glorified terrorism, a core aspect of their foreign policy,” Gahlot stated firmly.

She underscored India's counter-terrorism efforts, specifically mentioning Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist hideouts in Bahawalpur and Muridke, Pakistan.

“A picture is worth a thousand words, and there were many images of terrorists eliminated in Bahawalpur and Muridke by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor. When high-ranking Pakistani military and civilian officials openly honor such notorious terrorists, can there be any doubt about this regime's tendencies?” she asserted.

Addressing Sharif’s remarks on recent hostilities between the nations, Gahlot dismissed them as “bizarre” and misleading. “The Prime Minister of Pakistan also presented a bizarre narrative of the recent conflict with India. The facts are clear; until May 9, Pakistan threatened further attacks on India. However, on May 10, the military directly requested us to cease hostilities,” she added.

Gahlot further accused Pakistan of orchestrating terrorist attacks on Indian soil and reaffirmed India’s right to self-defense. “The reality is that, as in previous instances, Pakistan is behind the terrorist attack on innocent civilians in India. We have the right to protect our citizens against such threats and have sought justice for the perpetrators,” Gahlot stated.

She also addressed Sharif’s claims of desiring peace with India. “If the Pakistani Prime Minister is truly sincere about wanting peace, the path is clear. Pakistan must immediately close all terrorist training camps and hand over those terrorists wanted in India,” she asserted decisively.

Highlighting Pakistan’s internal inconsistencies, she remarked, “It is paradoxical that a nation steeped in hate, bigotry, and intolerance should lecture this Assembly on matters of faith.”

These comments followed Sharif's address, where he controversially credited former US President Donald Trump with averting a possible war between India and Pakistan.