Pakistan Summons US Chargé d’Affaires Over Jammu and Kashmir Remarks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan summoned the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires on Wednesday to lodge a strong protest over remarks made by the U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, regarding Jammu and Kashmir during his recent visit to the region.

The Chenab Times has learned that the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires was called to the Pakistan Foreign Office following comments made by Ambassador Gor in Srinagar, where he described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India and a beautiful place. Ambassador Gor also indicated that the U.S. would reconsider travel advisories for the region, citing steps taken by the Indian government to improve safety.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a statement condemning and categorically rejecting Ambassador Gor’s characterization of Jammu and Kashmir as a component of India. The ministry underscored that the territory is an internationally recognized disputed region, awaiting a final resolution aligned with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The statement further emphasized that the U.S. ambassador’s remarks were irresponsible and undermined the United States’ long-standing position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. It also suggested that the comments ran counter to the U.S. commitment to international law and the UN Charter.

During the meeting, Pakistani officials recalled President Donald Trump’s past offer to mediate between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue, which arose after a conflict in May of the previous year. The U.S. side was urged to ensure that its public statements remained consistent with the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Ambassador Gor’s visit to Srinagar included a shikara ride on the Dal Lake. His statements were made in the context of perceived improvements in security and governance in the region under the current Indian administration. However, these remarks have elicited a strong diplomatic response from Pakistan, highlighting the persistent divergence in viewpoints between the two nations on the status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The summoning of the U.S. diplomat reflects Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic strategy to internationalize the Kashmir issue and to challenge any assertions that frame the region as an integral part of India. Islamabad maintains that the final disposition of Jammu and Kashmir should be determined by the will of its people, a stance that has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy for decades.

The U.S. State Department has historically maintained a position of neutrality on the Kashmir dispute, often encouraging dialogue between India and Pakistan to find a peaceful resolution. However, the remarks attributed to Ambassador Gor appear to have been interpreted by Pakistan as a departure from this established policy, leading to the diplomatic demarche.

The situation underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Kashmir issue, which remains a significant point of contention in the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. Any statements or actions perceived as altering the disputed status of the territory are met with strong reactions from Islamabad.

---

---

Follow us on

---

(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)