In a robust response to Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s recent comments regarding the Kashmir conflict, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) firmly rejected any narratives suggesting that the longstanding dispute can be settled unilaterally. The spokesperson for the FO, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is recognized internationally and must be resolved in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated, “The resolution of this unresolved Kashmir conflict is pivotal to achieving lasting peace and stability in South Asia.” This assertion comes in light of Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s remarks, where he claimed that the era of “uninterrupted dialogue” with Pakistan has ended. He noted that New Delhi will respond to any developments regarding the Kashmir conflict, “whether positive or negative.”
The Indian media reported Subrahmanyam Jaishankar asserting, “As far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, Article 370 is done. The issue now is what kind of relationship we can contemplate with Pakistan.” In response, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch condemned these claims as “misleading and dangerously delusional,” arguing that they blatantly ignore the realities on the ground.
“India’s unilateral actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) cannot and will not change this reality,” she asserted. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy and dialogue but cautioned that any aggressive actions would be met with “unyielding resolve.” She urged India to abandon its “provocative rhetoric” surrounding the Kashmir conflict and engage in meaningful dialogue for a just and lasting resolution.
The spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stressed that true peace and stability in South Asia can only be achieved through a settlement that adheres to UNSC resolutions and recognizes the inalienable rights of the Kashmiri people.
Also Read: PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Dialogue with India to Resolve Kashmir Conflict
Following India’s unilateral decision to alter the special status of IIOJK in August 2019, Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic ties with New Delhi. Islamabad contends that this action has severely hampered any potential for meaningful talks between the two neighbors. Furthermore, Pakistan has linked any normalization of relations with India to the restoration of the special status of IIOJK.
Also Read: Foreign Office Strongly Condemns Attack on Pakistan Consulate Frankfurt
Despite ongoing tensions, both countries managed to agree on renewing the 2003 ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021, demonstrating a complex and cautious approach to managing the enduring Kashmir conflict.
