Pakistan nerve center of terrorism: Indian envoy to UN

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti, has lashed out at Pakistan for harboring terror groups, saying it is home to the largest number of listed terrorists internationally and designated terrorist entities.

Ambassador Tirumurti said that it is a well-known fact that Pakistan is the “nerve center of terrorism”. “Pakistan is home to the largest number of listed terrorists internationally designated terrorist entities and individuals, including Jamat-ud Dawah, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, they are continuing their operations from Pakistan,” he said.

Referring to United Nations’ 26th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIS, Tirumurti said that there is a clear acknowledgement that the leadership and funding for the terrorist entities like Al-Qaeda, ISIS emanate from Pakistan.

“Let me state that the UN and its reports have reiterated the involvement of Pakistan in terrorist attacks abroad. You know, even in the recent report of the analytical support and sanctions monitoring team,” he said.

“Under the 1267 Committee, which submits its report periodically terrorist activities of ISIL al Qaeda and its affiliates. There are several direct references to Pakistan’s involvement,” Tirumurti added.

Citing examples which were mentioned in the report, the Ambassador said that the report clearly mentions by name the leader of the Al Qaeda who is a Pakistani national, the names of the head of Isil and former head again Pakistani national. “There is a clear acknowledgement that the leadership and funding for these entities emanate from Pakistan,” Tirumurti asserted.

Tirumurti said Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has acknowledged that there are around 40,000 terrorists present in Pakistan and they have attacked neighboring countries.

“Even in the recent resolution of the UN Security Council on the session of hostilities in the context of COVID-19, the security council has clearly recognized that they need to make an exemption for countries fighting against globally designated terrorist entities and individuals thereby in effect vindicating our position,” he said.