The Government of Pakistan categorically rejects India’s protest against the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution (13thAmendment) Act 2018 and its fallacious and baseless claim over the Indian occupied State of Jammu & Kashmir as an ‘integral part’ of India. The Indian claim has no legal basis and continues to be contradicted by the situation on ground since the last seven decades.
The entire state of Jammu & Kashmir is a “disputed” territory. Its disputed status is enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, which stipulate that the final status of Jammu & Kashmir will be determined through the democratic method of a transparent, free and fair plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations to ascertain the wishes of the Kashmiris. These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, are accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community.
Indian attempts to deflect attention from the ongoing atrocities in Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir, including the use of pellet guns and humans shields, through baseless, fallacious contentions are regrettable and bound to failure.
Indian intransigence to implement UN Security Council Resolutions in letter and spirit continues to hold hostage peace and development in the region. Instead of making frivolous protests and issuing legally untenable and uncalled for statements, India should take steps to vacate its illegal occupation, fulfill its international obligations and expedite resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions.
Islamabad
14 June 2018