Pakistan summons US diplomat over Kashmir remarks
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan has formally protested remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor describing Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as “an important part of India,” with Islamabad urging Washington to maintain consistency with its stated position on the longstanding dispute.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad on Wednesday and lodged a strong demarche over what it described as factually incorrect and misleading comments made by the US envoy during his visit to the occupied territory.
The Foreign Office categorically rejected the characterisation of IIOJK as part of India, reiterating Pakistan’s position that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognised disputed territory whose final status is to be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
According to the FO, Pakistan conveyed concern that the ambassador’s remarks appeared inconsistent with Washington’s long-standing position on the Kashmir dispute and its stated commitment to international law and the UN Charter.
Islamabad also urged the US to ensure that its public statements accurately reflect the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly given Washington’s previous offers to facilitate dialogue between India and Pakistan.
The FO spokesperson recalled US President Donald Trump’s earlier offer to mediate between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, saying Pakistan appreciated such efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the decades-old dispute.
Pakistan has consistently called on India to reverse what it describes as unilateral measures in IIOJK, particularly those introduced since August 5, 2019. Islamabad has also demanded the repeal of laws it considers repressive and called for access for international observers, humanitarian organisations and the international media.
Pakistan maintains that the Kashmir dispute should ultimately be resolved through the exercise of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
