GENEVA: The Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Tehmina Janjua, said on Tuesday that India’s pursuit of hegemonic policies is creating instability at the regional and global level.

She added India’s efforts for military domination in the region are contributing to the same.

“The pursuit of hegemonic policies in South Asia by India and its efforts for military domination are creating instability both at the global and regional levels,” said the permanent representative at the Conference on Disarmament, a 192 member UN Committee which addresses disarmament and international security matters.

Highlighting India’s recent display of irresponsible behaviour, Janjua elaborated that South Asia’s security environment has suffered due to India’s arms build-up and a refusal to engage in any meaningful dialogue on regional security.

Read: Regional arms buildup

Referring to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s address in the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly session, the ambassador said Pakistan is ready to agree on a bilateral arrangement with India on nuclear test ban and a response from India is still awaited on the proposal.

“Peace and stability in South Asia would not be possible without resolving underlying disputes especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute; agreeing on measures for nuclear and missile restraint, and instituting conventional forces balance,” said Janjua.

She added that Pakistan’s proposal for a strategic restraint regime, based on these three inter-locking elements, remained on the table.

Pakistan at the meeting also demanded an urgent response from India over Pakistan’s proposal for the strategic restraint regime and the premier’s recent proposal for a bilateral arrangement on imposing ban on nuclear tests.

“Pakistan’s conduct continues to be defined by restraint and responsibility, and avoidance of an arms race.”

Referring to Pakistan’s bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Janjua shed light on Pakistan’s efforts towards strengthening of nuclear security and safety.

“We have instituted a stringent national export control system and a robust nuclear security regime that are at par with the best international standards,” said the permanent representative.

Soaring tensions

Earlier in September, in one of the worst episodes of cross-border firing along the Line of Control, at least two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed as Indian troops opened fire on the first line of defence.

India also claimed to have performed a surgical strike by crossing the disputed boundary. The Indian claims were rubbished by Pakistan Army.

Later it emerged that an Indian soldier was captured by the Pakistan Army, while Indian soldiers were also killed in the episode of firing across the LoC.

Also read: Mystery of the ‘surgical strike’

An Indian army official based in New Delhi said, “It is confirmed one soldier from 37 Rashtriya Rifles with weapons has inadvertently crossed over to the Pakistan side of the Line of Control”.

Following India's claims of surgical strikes, various quarters have asked for evidence of the same, including questions raised by India's opposition parties.

No evidence has yet been provided by either the Indian armed forces or the government.