NEW DELHI: India lashes back at Pakistan representative who criticized India on the Kashmir issue at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). India is denying the rights of the people of Kashmir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for the Cabinet of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar's appealed to the UN Council. In reply, Indian representative Seema Pujani retorted that the religious minorities in Pakistan cannot survive in freedom.

There is no salvation for Christian Hindu Sikh minorities. The Christian community is being hunted under the guise of gross blasphemy. Christians are only given sweeping jobs in government institutions. Minor Christian, Hindu, and Sikh girls are forced to convert to Islam. Pakistan's government and judiciary are conniving with it. Hindu and Sikh places of worship are attacked. A bill is under consideration in the Pakistan Parliament to jail anyone for five years if they mention the Pakistan Army or the judiciary negatively.

Seema Pujani also pointed out that Pakistan is brutally persecuting the Ahmadiyya community. Students, doctors, engineers, teachers, and community leaders of this community are constantly missing. Seema Pujani also pointed out that 8463 complaints about missing persons have been received by the commissions of inquiry appointed by Pakistan.

Pakistan is also a safe haven for terrorists. Terrorists including Osama bin Laden have been protected for years. Pakistan is misusing the UN platform for anti-India propaganda. Seema Pujani said that she is advising the leadership of Pakistan to work for its own people. Hina Rabbani Khar had criticized the Indian authorities for trying to destroy the livelihood of Kashmiris by demolishing houses and terminating land leases.

Reply to Turkey

The Indian representative criticized the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) and Turkey for raising the Jammu and Kashmir issue in favor of Pakistan in the council. The references were about the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Seema Pujani said, 'Pakistan is occupying Indian territory regardless of the fact that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are part of India. OIC member Pakistan should be asked to give up terrorism and withdraw from occupation.' The Indian representative also condemned the remarks of the Turkish representative. They took an anti-India stand at the UN after India helped Turkey, which was devastated by the earthquake.

Firebrand Seema

Native of Faridabad, Haryana

Passed the 2014 civil service exam with 37th rank

Selected Indian Foreign Service

Diplomat by profession, legal expert

Studied at Bengaluru National Law School of India