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

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.

“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.