Pakistan Rebuked Over Pahalgam 'False-Flag' Claim, Nuclear Rhetoric at Closed-Door UNSC Meeting

At a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday, Pakistan’s claims of a “false flag” operation behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack were widely challenged, with member states criticizing Islamabad’s escalating “nuclear rhetoric,” according to diplomatic sources. The meeting, requested by Pakistan, concluded without an official statement or resolution. Several UNSC members questioned Pakistan over the alleged involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba in the 22 April attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, with concerns raised about the targeting of victims based on religion and recent Pakistani missile tests.

Pakistan, currently a non-permanent UNSC member, sought to frame the issue as an “India-Pakistan question” but faced pushback, with member states reiterating that disputes should be resolved bilaterally. Following the attack, India swiftly took diplomatic and punitive measures, including suspending provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, reducing the Pakistani High Commission’s staff in New Delhi, expelling defence advisers, and imposing trade and travel restrictions.

In response, Pakistan warned the UNSC that Indian actions could amount to an “act of war,” as stated by its UN envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, and announced a review of bilateral agreements including the Simla Accord. However, no formal notification on these measures has been issued. The UNSC meeting took place hours after UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both countries to de-escalate tensions, cautioning that military conflict could spiral out of control and offering his good offices for dialogue.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed state authorities to conduct civil defence drills on 7 May amid heightened tensions. While India has received broad international backing, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, Pakistan has drawn support primarily from Türkiye and Azerbaijan, the latter calling for a transparent international investigation.