On September 27, India’s First Secretary at the UN, Petal Gahlot, disclosed that the Pakistan military pleaded with New Delhi for a cessation of fighting during Operation Sindoor. This operation specifically targeted terror infrastructure following a deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Gahlot emphasized that no third party holds the authority to intervene in issues pertaining to India and Pakistan.
Addressing the General Debate of the 80th UN General Assembly, Gahlot responded sharply to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks. Sharif credited former President Donald Trump for purportedly preventing war between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Gahlot described Sharif’s claims as ‘absurd theatrics,’ asserting that glorification of terrorism forms a key part of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
In his address, Sharif expressed Pakistan’s openness to a ‘composite, comprehensive, and result-oriented’ dialogue with India, particularly regarding territorial disputes over Kashmir. He criticized India’s stance on the region and highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to conflict resolution through dialogue.
Sharif didn’t shy away from praising Trump, suggesting that his intervention averted significant conflict in South Asia. “In recognition of President Trump’s wonderful and outstanding contribution to promote peace in our part of the world, Pakistan nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize,” Sharif declared. His remarks emphasized the importance of international diplomacy in maintaining regional stability.
Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7 as a direct response to the Pahalgam attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India’s strategy focused on neutralizing threats by dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
India insists that discussions regarding cessation of hostilities arose from direct communications between the Directors General of Military Operations from both countries. While Pakistan seeks dialogue, New Delhi remains firm on its stance regarding terrorism, ensuring that any talks must address this pivotal issue.
As tensions between India and Pakistan persist, the call for dialogue continues, but the underlying issues of terrorism and regional security remain critical points of contention. The international community watches closely, aware that the delicate balance in South Asia can shift rapidly.
