'Shameful record since 1971': India slams Pakistan at UN over sexual violence

India blasts Pakistan Over sexual Violence In Conflict (Image: X)

India has strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing its military of a persistent record of sexual violence in conflict zones, tracing back to the atrocities of 1971.

This comes after Ismlambad alleged that women in Jammu and Kashmir were being targeted with sexual violence, sharply reminding its neighbour of its own "deplorable" track record of crimes against women.

Eldos Mathew Punnoos, India's Charge d'Affaires at the United Nations, said Islamabad’s “shameful record" began during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 and persists to this day.

“The utter impunity with which the Pakistan army perpetrated heinous crimes of gross sexual violence against hundreds of thousands of women in erstwhile East Pakistan in 1971 is a matter of shameful record. This deplorable pattern continues unabated and with impunity to this day," Punnoos said.

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Cd’A @eldosmp delivered 🇮🇳’s statement at the @UN Security Council Open Debate on Conflict-related Sexual Violence today. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/TKS5gylXyA

— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) August 19, 2025

India also pointed out that Pakistan continues to target minority women through abductions, forced conversions, early marriages, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.

Punnoos referred to recent UN human rights reports that have documented these violations.

“Rampant abduction, trafficking, child early and forced marriages and domestic servitude, sexual violence and forced religious conversions of thousands of vulnerable women and girls as weapons of persecution towards religious and ethnic minority communities are reported and chronicled, including in the recent OHCHR reports," he noted, adding that Pakistan’s judiciary has often validated such crimes.

He further stated that the conservative country's judiciary legitimizes these deplorable crimes against women.

"These reports highlight that its judiciary also validates the vile acts by Pakistan. It is ironic that those who perpetrate these crimes are now masquerading as champions of justice. The duplicity and hypocrisy are self-evident," he said.

While urging accountability, Punnoos emphasized the need for comprehensive support for survivors, including access to health care and legal assistance.

"Perpetrators of heinous acts of conflict-related sexual violence must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and brought to justice," he further added.

India's envoy has also mentioned New Delhi's initiatives to combat gender-based violence both domestically and through its contributions to global peacekeeping efforts. He noted that India was one of the first nations to support the UN Secretary-General's Trust Fund for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse.

"Our dedication to the cause can be seen from the fact that in November 2017, a voluntary compact was reached between the UN Secretary-General and the Government of India on commitment to eliminate sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, humanitarian and development work," he added.

India has also joined the Circle of Leadership on the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse in UN operations, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

India has also created dedicated systems to protect women, including the $1.2 billion Nirbhaya Fund for women's safety, a nationwide emergency response number (112), and Sakhi One Stop Centers offering police, medical, and legal support across districts.

"India has implemented a comprehensive domestic strategy for women's safety. It could offer insights for ensuring access to life-saving services and protection for survivors in conflict situations," he told the UNSC.

(With agency inputs)