By Junaid Qaiser
In a world where conflicts are increasingly waged through narratives as much as through weapons, the recent report from United Nations human rights experts emerges as a rare instance where facts cut through the haze of propaganda. For months, India has maintained that its military actions in Pakistan in May were justified, lawful, and necessary under the banner of counter-terrorism. Yet, the UN report reveals a starkly different reality—one rooted not in rhetoric, but in international law, documented impacts, and the genuine consequences for civilians.
President Asif Ali Zardari’s response to the report emphasizes the seriousness of its findings. The UN experts have raised significant concerns about India’s unilateral use of force across an international border, which directly contradicts the UN Charter and violates Pakistan’s sovereignty. Even more troubling are the report’s references to civilian casualties, damage to populated areas, and attacks on religious sites. These aren’t just abstract violations; they represent real human lives disrupted and lost, underscoring the dangerous precedent set when military force is normalized without accountability.
The report’s most critical takeaway is its firm rejection of India’s primary assertion—that international law permits unilateral military action under the guise of counter-terrorism. The UN experts found no such right and pointedly remarked on India’s failure to provide credible evidence linking Pakistan to the incident it cited as justification. This effectively dismantles the narrative that New Delhi aimed to project globally and reinforces Pakistan’s argument that the May strikes were acts of aggression, not self-defense.
Moreover, the report draws much-needed attention to India’s decision to put its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty “on hold.” This move, which has been widely criticized by international legal experts, poses risks that go beyond just bilateral relations. Water is a fundamental human right, and any disruption to transboundary flows can directly impact food security, health, employment, and environmental stability for millions in Pakistan. The UN experts were unequivocal: the Treaty remains binding, cannot be suspended unilaterally, and should not be used as a political tool. By highlighting these points, the report exposes the weakness of India’s claims and reaffirms the necessity of rules-based cooperation.
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, the UN’s findings highlight a growing global concern regarding India’s actions. The allegations of cross-border violence, targeted assassinations, and aggressive diplomacy in various nations point to a troubling trend that goes far beyond South Asia. President Zardari’s warning about reckless state behavior isn’t just empty talk; it reflects a rising worry in international discussions that the normalization of force and intimidation threatens global standards and collective security.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s response during and after the escalation in May stands out in stark contrast. While Islamabad asserted its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, its leaders consistently expressed a wish for restraint and de-escalation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s focus on peace, even after Pakistan took military action, wasn’t just for show—it was a clear acknowledgment that true security in the region can’t be achieved through endless cycles of retaliation. The eventual ceasefire, brokered through international mediation, confirmed the wisdom of that approach.
The UN report is more than just a diplomatic nod to Pakistan’s viewpoint; it’s a vital reminder of the standards that should govern how countries interact. It underscores that sovereignty shouldn’t be disregarded, that civilians must never be collateral damage in the pursuit of political goals, and that treaties and laws exist to prevent powerful nations from acting without limits. For the international community, the message is self-evident.
When truth is clearly documented and communicated, propaganda begins to fade away. The UN report has accomplished just that—uncovering distortions, disputing unfounded claims, and reminding us all that in the realm of war and peace, facts truly matter.
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