Pakistan Summons US Diplomat Over Sergio Gor’s Remarks on J&K

Pakistan has summoned the United States charge d'affaires to lodge a formal protest against recent comments made by US envoy Sergio Gor during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Gor, while speaking in Srinagar, described the region as an "important part of India" and praised the local administration's efforts to maintain peace. These remarks have triggered a sharp reaction from Islamabad, which maintains that the status of the region remains a bilateral dispute. The diplomatic summoning reflects the ongoing sensitivity surrounding international endorsements of India's position on the territory.

During his high-profile visit to the Kashmir Valley, Ambassador Sergio Gor hinted at a potential re-evaluation of the United States' travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir. He noted the improved security situation and expressed optimism about the return of normalcy in the region. Gor’s engagement included meetings with various stakeholders where he highlighted the progress made in recent years. This move is seen as a significant step toward boosting international tourism and investment in the Union Territory, signaling a shift in how Western powers perceive the local security environment.

Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Abdullah met with the US envoy but notably ruled out raising internal political issues during their discussion. This stance drew criticism from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which argued that the Chief Minister should have used the platform to discuss local grievances. Despite the internal political friction, the visit underscores growing India-US cooperation on regional stability. For India, Gor’s statements serve as a significant diplomatic victory, while Pakistan's protest highlights its increasing isolation on the global stage regarding its stance on the Kashmir issue.