India firmly rejected Pakistan’s claims at the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) meeting in Geneva on Wednesday, calling its accusations of suppressing democracy and violating human rights in Jammu and Kashmir "baseless and malicious." The Indian representative criticised Pakistan, stating that the country itself faces severe human rights issues and has no moral authority to lecture others. He further remarked that Pakistan’s "rhetoric reeks of hypocrisy."

"India is exercising its right of reply in response to the baseless and malicious references made by Pakistan. It is regrettable to see Pakistan's so-called leaders and delegates continuing to dutifully spread falsehoods handed down by its military terrorist complex," Kshitij Tyagi, diplomat, stated.

Speaking at the forum, Pakistan’s Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar, alleged that Kashmiris face a "continued denial of the right to self-determination," claiming this violates "UN charters and resolutions and international law." He further accused India of human rights violations in the region and insisted they must be stopped.

In response, India rejected the accusations, highlighting the progress and development in Kashmir while firmly reaffirming its sovereignty over the region.

"The union territories of J&K and Ladakh will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. The unprecedented political, social and economic progress in J&K in the past few years speaks for itself. These successes are a testament to the people's trust in the government's commitment to bring normalcy to a region scarred by decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism," Tyagi said further.

The diplomat emphasised that rather than maintaining its "unhealthy obsession" with India, Pakistan should prioritise delivering proper governance and justice to its own citizens.

"As a country where human rights abuses, persecution of minorities and systematic erosion of democratic values constitute state policies and which brazenly harbours UN-sanctioned terrorists, Pakistan is in no position to lecture anyone," he claimed.

"Its rhetoric reeks of hypocrisy, its actions of inhumanity and its governance of incompetence. India remains focused on democracy, progress and ensuring dignity for its people. Values that Pakistan would do well to learn from," Tyagi conveyed to the UNHRC.

Speaking at the council on Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised India's commitment to promoting and protecting human rights globally while maintaining a strong and unwavering stance against terrorism.