ISLAMABAD – Pakistan on Wednesday summoned US Chargé d’Affaires and delivered a strong diplomatic protest over remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who described Jammu and Kashmir as part of India during his visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the ambassador’s characterization in unequivocal terms, stressing that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognised disputed territory whose final status has yet to be determined.
Pakistan told the US diplomat that the Kashmir dispute must be resolved in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Islamabad also warned that the ambassador’s remarks were at odds with the United States’ longstanding position on the Kashmir dispute and questioned their consistency with Washington’s stated commitment to international law and the UN Charter.
The diplomatic protest comes as Pakistan continues to press for international attention to the unresolved Kashmir dispute, maintaining that any description of the territory as an established part of India undermines its disputed status.
At the same time, Pakistan welcomed President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate between Pakistan and India on the Kashmir issue following Marka-e-Haq.
Islamabad urged Washington to ensure that statements by its officials accurately reflect the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, signalling that it would not accept any characterization that contradicts relevant UN resolutions or the established international position on the dispute.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, during his maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir on August 19, called IIOJK “important part of India” and praised its beauty. He said discussions with local officials were positive and suggested Washington may reassess its travel advisory for Kashmir, while seeking to strengthen ties with New Delhi.
