ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has lodged a strong demarche with the United States over remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during his visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), in which Jammu and Kashmir was described as part of India.
According to a statement released by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, where Pakistan categorically rejected the characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir 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 is to be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Pakistan said the US ambassador’s remarks were factually incorrect and contradicted the long-standing and well-documented position of the United States on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The Foreign Office also maintained that the statement was inconsistent with the United States’ stated commitment to international law and the UN Charter.
While appreciating President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate between Pakistan and India to resolve the Kashmir dispute in the aftermath of Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan urged the US to ensure that its public statements remain consistent with the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.
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