Pakistan Lodges Strong Demarche with US Over Remarks on Jammu and Kashmir

Islamabad: The U.S. Charge d’ Affaires in Islamabad was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a strong demarche was lodged over the factually incorrect remarks of U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir, during his visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Radio Pakistan, Pakistan strongly condemned and categorically rejected the characterization of Jammu and Kashmir as a “part of India”. It was underscored that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory, awaiting final disposition in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

It was highlighted that the irresponsible statement by the U.S. Ambassador negated the long-standing and well-documented position of the United States on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and also ran contrary to the United States’ commitment to supremacy of international law and the UN Charter.

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