Pakistan Lodges Strong Demarche Over US Ambassador’s Remarks on Jammu and Kashmir

ISLAMABAD, Aug 19: Pakistan has strongly condemned and rejected remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor describing Jammu and Kashmir as “part of India” during his visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, where Pakistan lodged a strong demarche over what it termed factually incorrect remarks regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan categorically rejected the characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir as a part of India, stressing that the territory is an internationally recognised disputed territory whose final disposition remains to be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

It was conveyed to the US side that the statement by the US Ambassador to India was irresponsible and negated the long-standing and well-documented position of the United States on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Pakistan also noted that such remarks were contrary to the United States’ stated commitment to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

While appreciating US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate between Pakistan and India to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute following Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan urged the US side to ensure that its public statements remain consistent with the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s position that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be resolved in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.