Pakistan Protests Gor Calling J&K Part Of India

ISLAMABAD- Pakistan on August 19 summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad and lodged a demarche over remarks made by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Islamabad delivered the demarche over what it described as the US Ambassador’s “factually incorrect” remarks on the status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan condemned and categorically rejected Gor’s characterization of Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India”. Gor had also said the US would reconsider its travel advisories.

While appreciating US 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, Pakistan urged the US side to ensure that its public statements remain consistent with the disputed status of the territory.

Pakistani officials maintained that the matter remains unresolved and subject to the will of the Kashmiri people as outlined in successive UNSC resolutions.

The fact remains that nothing has changed in US policy. It is widely seen as the diplomatically inexperienced Gor making a statement to please his audience. (IANS)