On Thursday, Pakistan strongly disputed Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s comments regarding the Kashmir issue. He claimed that the return of the “stolen part of Kashmir under illegal Pakistani occupation” is essential for resolving the Kashmir dispute. This statement prompted a swift response from Pakistan, highlighting its stance on the Kashmir Dispute Response.
Pakistan’s Rebuttal
Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan addressed these remarks during a weekly press briefing. He stated, “We reject the remarks made by the Indian external affairs minister on Jammu and Kashmir during an event at Chatham House, London.” Khan criticized India, urging it to vacate the territories of Jammu and Kashmir that have remained under its occupation for the last 77 years.
Jaishankar faced a question about “solving” the Kashmir issue from an audience member while speaking at Chatham House, an international affairs think tank. He responded by detailing the measures taken by the Indian government to address the situation. “On Kashmir, we have done a good job solving most of it… Removing Article 370 was step number one,” he asserted.
Misrepresentation of Facts
Khan emphasized that Kashmir is an “internationally recognized disputed territory.” He argued that Jaishankar’s comments misrepresent ground realities and go against international law. “The relevant UN Security Council resolutions stipulate that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices,” Khan noted, asserting that India’s claims cannot alter this fact.
Historical Context
Historically, relations between India and Pakistan have been strained, particularly due to issues of cross-border terrorism. Tensions escalated significantly after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5, 2019, creating two Union Territories from the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. This move has continued to be a point of contention.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that any electoral process conducted under Indian law cannot replace the right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people. Khan stated, “The decades-old grievances of the Kashmiri people cannot be meaningfully addressed through economic activity down the barrel of a gun.”
The Path Forward
A peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains crucial for lasting peace in South Asia, aligning with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the Kashmir Dispute Response underscores the complexity and significance of addressing these historical grievances.
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