Pakistan issues 'strong demarche' to US over 'irresponsible' remarks by ambassador in India on IIOJK status

FO says Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory awaiting final disposition

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned the US charge d’affaires in Islamabad and lodged a "strong demarche" over US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and his remarks describing the disputed territory as “an important part of India”.

"The US Charge d’ Affaires in Islamabad was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) today, and a strong demarche was lodged over the factually incorrect remarks of US Ambassador to India regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir, during his visit to IIOJK," said a statement issued by the ministry.

The statement strongly condemned and categorically rejected the characterisation of IIOJK as a “part of India”.

"It was underscored that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory, awaiting final disposition in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people," it said.

🔈 PR No. 2️⃣2️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Demarche on the Visit of the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to IIOJK, and Incorrect Statement regarding the Status of the Disputed Territory

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Vlg9IwiWlC

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 19, 2026

“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.