During his visit to the occupied region, Gor described IIOJK as “an important part of India”, prompting a strong reaction from Islamabad.
The Foreign Office categorically rejected the ambassador’s characterisation of IIOJK as a “part of India”, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory.
The FO said the final status of the territory must be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
“It was highlighted that the irresponsible statement by the US ambassador negated the long-standing and well-documented position of the US on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” the Foreign Office said.
It added that the remarks were also contrary to the United States’ stated commitment to international law and the UN Charter.
Pakistan also recalled US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir dispute following the Marka-e-Haq.
The Foreign Office urged Washington to ensure that its public statements remain consistent with the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Trump had offered to help mediate the longstanding dispute between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in June last year and subsequently reiterated his willingness to assist the two countries in reaching a peaceful settlement.
Pakistan has repeatedly called on India to vacate what Islamabad describes as occupied territories and reverse its unilateral actions in IIOJK, particularly those taken since August 5, 2019.
Islamabad has also demanded the repeal of what it calls draconian laws and urged New Delhi to allow neutral observers, international human rights and humanitarian organisations, and international media access to the region.
Pakistan maintains that the people of Kashmir should be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
