What happened
Pakistan on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, summoned the United States charge d’affaires in Islamabad and lodged a “strong demarche” over remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor describing Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as “an important part of India”.
The Foreign Office said the US charge d’affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over what it called “factually incorrect remarks … regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir, during his visit to IIOJK”.
Pakistan’s position
In its statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan strongly condemned and categorically rejected the characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir as a part of India, underscoring that it is “an internationally recognised disputed territory, awaiting final disposition in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people”.
The ministry said the “irresponsible statement” by the US ambassador negated the long-standing and well-documented position of the United States on the Kashmir dispute and ran contrary to the US commitment to the supremacy of international law and the UN Charter.
Pakistan also appreciated President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute in the aftermath of Marka-e-Haq, while urging the United States to ensure that its public statements remained consistent with the disputed status of the territory.
Context
Gor’s visit was his first to the valley, according to The Express Tribune. Kashmir has been claimed in full by both Pakistan and India since 1947, and New Delhi revoked the region’s special status under Article 370 in August 2019. Tensions escalated sharply after a deadly attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, followed by military exchanges and a ceasefire brokered by President Trump on 10 May 2025.
Sources & reporting notes
This is a summary of published reporting, not independent reporting. Details and quoted remarks are as carried by the cited sources, which were reviewed on 19 August 2026.
- The Express Tribune — "Pakistan issues 'strong demarche' to US over 'irresponsible' remarks by ambassador in India on IIOJK status"19 August 2026 · The Foreign Office statement, Gor's visit and remark, and the background to the Kashmir dispute.
- Pakistan Today — "Pakistan summons US Charge d'Affaires, lodges strong demarche over 'Kashmir remarks'"19 August 2026 · Confirmation of the demarche, Pakistan's reaffirmation of the UNSC position and its appreciation of Trump's mediation offer.
