Shafaqna Pakistan: Pakistan on Wednesday summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad and lodged a “strong demarche” over US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s remarks during his visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where he described the disputed territory as “an important part of India”.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said the US diplomat was summoned over what it called factually incorrect remarks regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan strongly condemned and categorically rejected the characterisation of the territory as a “part of India”.
The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s position that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory whose final status remains to be determined in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Islamabad also said Gor’s remarks were inconsistent with what it described as the longstanding US position on the Kashmir dispute and urged Washington to ensure that its public statements reflect the territory’s disputed status.
“The irresponsible statement by the US Ambassador negated the long-standing and well-documented position of the United States on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute,” the ministry said, adding that the remarks were contrary to the US commitment to the supremacy of international law and the UN Charter.
Gor visited IIOJK on Wednesday, marking his first visit to the valley, and described the territory as “an important part of India”.
The Foreign Office statement also appreciated 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.
It urged the US to ensure that its public statements remained consistent with the disputed status of IIOJK.
Kashmir has long been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, both of which claim all of the region but rule only in part.
Ties between the nuclear-armed rivals have been on ice since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew the autonomous status of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in 2019 to tighten his grip over the territory, provoking outrage in Pakistan and the downgrading of diplomatic ties and suspension of bilateral trade.
The tensions further escalated to new heights last year after a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam in IIOJK that left 26 civilians dead. India blamed Pakistan-based elements without providing evidence; Islamabad rejected the claim.
India responded by closing the Wagah border, revoking Pakistani visas, and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty—moves Pakistan labelled as an “act of war.”
Later, India launched attacks inside Pakistan, prompting Islamabad to respond with Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, during which it downed five Indian jets, including Rafales, and intercepted 77 Israeli-origin Harop drones.
However, on May 10, both countries agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire led by President Trump following days of intense military exchanges that raised fears of a full-scale conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The very next day after the ceasefire, Trump pledged to support efforts toward a resolution of the Kashmir dispute and to increase trade substantially with both nations.
Source: Express Tribune
