Delhi: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared on Friday that Pakistan had defeated India in military conflict, claiming his country shot down seven Indian aircraft during hostilities.
Sharif addressed the United Nations General Assembly, branding India as an enemy nation while asserting Pakistan’s military superiority. The Pakistani leader referenced what appeared to be the February 2019 aerial engagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The Prime Minister accused India of rejecting his proposal for an impartial international investigation into the Pulwama attack. Moreover, Sharif alleged that India exploited the tragedy for political gain rather than pursuing justice through proper channels.
Shehbaz characterised India’s “radical Hindutva” ideology as a serious global threat during his UN speech. Furthermore, he reminded the international community of his previous warnings about Pakistan’s defensive capabilities.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz warns against external aggression
Sharif recalled his warning from the previous year’s UN session that Pakistan would not tolerate external attacks. Subsequently, he claimed his prediction proved accurate when Pakistan faced what he described as an unprovoked assault in May.
The Pakistani leader accused India of unilaterally violating the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it both a breach of the bilateral agreement and international law. Additionally, Sharif emphasised that Pakistan would defend the water rights of its 240 million citizens.
Pakistan considers any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty equivalent to an act of war, according to the Prime Minister’s statement. Consequently, Sharif made clear his country’s position on protecting its water resources.
The Prime Minister once again raised the Kashmir issue during his address, expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Finally, Sharif expressed confidence that Kashmir would eventually hold a fair referendum under United Nations law, allowing Kashmiris to exercise their right to self-determination.
