Pakistan summons US diplomat over ambassador's Kashmir remarks

Pakistan summoned the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Islamabad on Wednesday and lodged a strong demarche over remarks by U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on the status of Jammu and Kashmir. Gor made the comments during a visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Why did Pakistan summon the US diplomat?

Pakistan summoned the diplomat after Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India and said governments at the Centre and in the region had taken significant steps to improve security. Islamabad's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned and categorically rejected that characterization, calling it inconsistent with the territory's disputed status.

What did the US ambassador say about Kashmir?

Gor, during his visit to IIOJK, described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India. He said authorities at the federal and regional level had taken significant steps to improve security in the region.

How did Pakistan's Foreign Ministry respond?

The Foreign Ministry underscored that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory, whose final status remains pending under relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. It said the U.S. ambassador's statement was irresponsible and negated Washington's longstanding, well-documented position on the dispute.

The ministry added that the remarks were contrary to the United States' stated commitment to international law and the UN Charter. It urged the U.S. side to ensure its public statements remain consistent with the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, while appreciating President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between Pakistan and India on the issue following Marka-e-Haq.

The demarche was lodged at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Wednesday, August 19.