ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires and lodged a strong diplomatic protest over remarks made by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Foreign Office said on Wednesday that the US envoy was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following what Islamabad described as factually incorrect and irresponsible remarks made by Gor during his visit to Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Pakistani officials, Gor characterised Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” during his visit to Srinagar. Pakistan strongly rejected the characterisation and said the statement was inconsistent with the disputed status of the territory.
Pakistan rejects US ambassador’s remarks
The Foreign Office said Pakistan considers Jammu and Kashmir an internationally recognised disputed territory and maintained that its final status should be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Islamabad also argued that the ambassador’s remarks did not correspond with what Pakistan described as the longstanding US position on the Kashmir dispute.
Pakistan urged Washington to ensure that its public statements remain consistent with the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir and international law.
Diplomatic sensitivity
The development comes at a sensitive time in Pakistan-US relations, with both countries recently discussing regional peace and diplomatic cooperation. Earlier this month, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and emphasised continued dialogue and implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Gor’s visit to Srinagar was his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir since taking office as US ambassador to India earlier this year. His comments have now triggered a fresh diplomatic exchange between Islamabad and Washington.
Pakistan’s latest demarche reflects Islamabad’s continued position that the Kashmir dispute should be addressed through a peaceful process in line with international commitments and the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
