Brinkmanship, not statesmanship: India rebuts Imran Khan at UN
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan went on an anti-India rant for the most part of his maiden speech at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York yesterday. Among other things, he warned that if two nuclear-armed countries fight, it will have "consequences" for the entire world. In response, India exercised its right to reply to rebut Khan.
If a conventional war starts, anything could happen: Khan
In his speech that came shortly after PM Modi spoke, Khan made several references to 'war' and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. "If a conventional war starts, anything could happen. But supposing, a country seven times smaller than its neighbor is faced with the choice - either you surrender or you fight for your freedom till death. What will we do," he asked.
There are no militant organizations in Pakistan: Khan
Further, Khan said, "I asked myself this question. And my belief is there is no God but one. And we will fight. And when a nuclear armed country fights to the end, it will have consequences far beyond the borders." Further, in a comment that's hard to believe, Khan claimed that, "There are no militant organizations in Pakistan."
A callous portrayal of the world in binary terms: India
After Khan finished speaking, India exercised its right to reply to refute the Pakistani PM. "Unfortunately, what we heard today from Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan was a callous portrayal of the world in binary terms," said Vidisha Maitra, First Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs. "Prime Minister Khan's threat of unleashing nuclear devastation qualifies as brinkmanship, not statesmanship," she confuted.
Such words and phrases reflect a medieval mindset: India
"Rarely has the General Assembly witnessed such abuse of an opportunity to reflect. Words matter in diplomacy. Invocation of phrases such as 'pogrom', 'bloodbath', 'racial superiority', and 'fight to the end' reflect a medieval mindset and not a 21st century vision," she further added.
Pakistan home to 130 UN-designated terrorists; defender of Laden: India
"Can Pakistan confirm that it is home to 130 UN-designated terrorists and 25 terrorist entities listed by the UN, as of today? Will Pakistan acknowledge that it provides pension to a UN-listed terrorist?" she asked. Further attacking Khan, the First Secretary asserted, "And would Prime Minister Khan deny to the city of New York that he was an open defender of Osama bin Laden?"
We have the authority to warn world against terrorism: Modi
A short while before Khan's speech, PM Modi, in a sharply contrasting and shorter speech, gave out a strong peace message, saying that India has given the world, "not war, but Buddha's message of peace." He also highlighted the urgent need for nations to stand united against terrorism, saying that, "We have the authority and will to warn the world against terrorism."
