Islamabad: The UN Experts have raised strong objections on India’s unilateral actions of May 7 inside Pakistan, asserting that the use of force by India violated the principles of the United Nations Charter.

According to Radio Pakistan, the UN experts reported that Indian attacks targeted civilian areas, mosques were affected, and several civilians were killed and wounded. The experts highlighted that Pakistan informed the Security Council it reserved the right to self-defence under Article 51. They pointed out India’s failure to provide credible evidence of Pakistan’s state-level involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

The UN experts stressed that there is no recognized right for unilateral military force under the pretext of counterterrorism and warned that India’s actions could escalate into a major conflict. They described the Indian actions as a grave violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and the principles of non-interference.

Additionally, the UN Special Rapporteurs endorsed Pakistan’s stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, expressing deep concern over India’s declaration to hold the treaty in abeyance. They noted that any obstruction or threat to the flow of water affects the fundamental rights of millions in Pakistan, impacting rights to water, food, employment, health, environment, and development.

The UN special experts emphasized that interference with transboundary water rights must be avoided, stating that water cannot be used as a tool for political or economic pressure. They recognized that no party can unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, emphasizing its continued effect unless both governments mutually terminate it through a new agreement.

The report also referenced India’s refusal to participate in arbitration and its challenge to the scope of the Indus Waters Treaty. The UN experts demanded that India fully honour the treaty and refrain from violating Pakistan’s rights, urging India to take concrete steps to prevent human rights violations and damages from water obstruction.

The UN Special Rapporteurs sent a questionnaire to the Modi government, raising key questions regarding evidence of Indian allegations and India’s intentions for a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. India did not respond to any of the questions, leading the UN Special Experts to release the report.