📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Michael Neil Kingson
International
Pakistan summons US top diplomat after envoy says J&K is part of India
✍️ The New Indian Express
🗓 21 Aug 2026, 03:33 AM
👁 7
Pakistan's foreign ministry called in the United States' senior diplomat in Islamabad after a US envoy publicly stated that Jammu and Kashmir belongs to India.
Pakistan's foreign ministry summoned the United States' top diplomatic representative in Islamabad on Tuesday, expressing strong protest over remarks made by a US envoy that described Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India. The Pakistani officials said the statement contradicted the long‑standing position of Islamabad on the disputed region and undermined bilateral ties.
In a brief statement, the ministry said it had conveyed its displeasure to the US ambassador, urging Washington to respect Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue. The diplomatic note highlighted that any public comment on the status of J&K should be consistent with the United Nations resolutions and the bilateral Simla Agreement.
The United States has not yet issued a formal clarification, but diplomatic sources indicate that Washington is likely to engage with Islamabad to contain any escalation. The episode comes amid heightened tensions in South Asia following recent political developments in the region.
Analysts note that while the US maintains a strategic partnership with both India and Pakistan, statements on sensitive territorial matters can quickly strain relations. Both capitals are expected to manage the fallout through diplomatic channels to avoid further deterioration.
In a brief statement, the ministry said it had conveyed its displeasure to the US ambassador, urging Washington to respect Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue. The diplomatic note highlighted that any public comment on the status of J&K should be consistent with the United Nations resolutions and the bilateral Simla Agreement.
The United States has not yet issued a formal clarification, but diplomatic sources indicate that Washington is likely to engage with Islamabad to contain any escalation. The episode comes amid heightened tensions in South Asia following recent political developments in the region.
Analysts note that while the US maintains a strategic partnership with both India and Pakistan, statements on sensitive territorial matters can quickly strain relations. Both capitals are expected to manage the fallout through diplomatic channels to avoid further deterioration.