‘A Terrorist Country Is Asking Me That?’ Jaishankar’s Sharp Reply To Pakistani Journalist In New York

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday sharply responded to a Pakistani journalist who interrupted a news conference in New York with remarks about India.

Jaishankar was speaking alongside Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti at the launch of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers when the journalist began shouting.

Jaishankar responded with an ironic smile, saying, “A terrorist country is asking me that? Come on!”

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P Harish, then told the journalist, “You hear him loud and clear,” as the disruption continued.

The exchange came a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced questions from an Indian journalist outside the UN General Assembly.

The reporter asked Sharif when Pakistan would stop harbouring terrorists and when it would prosecute Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed. Sharif did not respond and continued walking.

Saeed, who founded the Pakistan-based proscribed terrorist organisation LeT, is listed as a global terrorist by the United Nations.

The US has announced a $10 million reward for information leading to his conviction.

India has continued to raise concerns over Pakistan’s record at the UN.

On Wednesday, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi criticised Islamabad at the UN Human Rights Council, urging it to focus on economic development instead of territorial claims and support for cross-border terrorism.

Tyagi referred to reports of civilian deaths, arrests and restrictions on food, fuel and medicines in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, arguing that Pakistan should address these domestic issues rather than divert attention through its statements at international forums.

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