Rajnath slams UN for naming Pak vice-chair of anti-terror panel

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday sharply criticised the United Nations for appointing Pakistan as vice-chair of its counter-terrorism committee, calling it akin to “asking a cat to guard milk”.

Speaking at a national security dialogue in Dehradun, Singh questioned how a country that sheltered Osama bin Laden —the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks — could be trusted to lead global efforts against terrorism. The UN Security Council’s counter-terrorism panel was established in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks in the US. Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the UNSC, was recently elected to the panel.

“Terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar roam freely in Pakistan. Senior Pakistan army officers have been seen attending funerals of terrorists,” Singh said, adding, “This raises serious questions about the international community’s intentions and policies.”

Calling Pakistan the “Father of Terrorism”, Singh accused it of consistently harbouring, training and aiding terrorists. “Much of the financial aid Pakistan receives is spent on terrorism. The world is only now beginning to realise this,” he said. He stressed that the UN must stay united in its approach to counter-terrorism and not let such contradictions weaken global efforts.

“Terrorists are not freedom fighters. No religious, political, or ideological motive can justify terrorism,” he added.

Singh added that if Pakistan is unable to act against terror elements on its soil, it should seek help from India. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said it was a clear demonstration of India’s military capability and the government’s transformed approach to national security under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Operation Sindoor is the biggest counter-terror operation in Indian history,” Singh said.