Pakistan summons US Chargé d’Affaires over diplomat’s Kashmir remarks

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and lodged a strong diplomatic protest over remarks by senior US diplomat Sergio Gor, who, during his visit to Srinagar, referred to Jammu and Kashmir as “an important part of India.”

The Foreign Office strongly rejected the characterization, maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory whose final status must be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Baker was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Islamabad formally conveyed its objections to Gor’s remarks. Pakistan said the statement ignored the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir and departed from what it described as the United States’ long-standing position on the issue.

According to the Foreign Office, Islamabad also argued that the remarks were inconsistent with Washington’s stated support for international law and the UN Charter. Pakistan urged the US to ensure that future public statements accurately reflect the internationally recognized status of the Kashmir dispute.

The protest comes amid continued tensions between India and Pakistan, with Kashmir remaining a longstanding source of conflict between the two nuclear-armed states. India considers Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of the country, while Pakistan maintains that the dispute should be resolved through the relevant UN resolutions and in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

During the meeting, Pakistan also referred to US President Donald Trump’s previous offer to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Islamabad reiterated its support for international efforts to facilitate a peaceful settlement, provided such efforts remain consistent with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.