Pakistan on Thursday vehemently dismissed India’s criticism of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative elections, asserting that New Delhi lacks both the legitimacy and moral standing to comment on the democratic process in the region. This stance was emphasized as India continues to deny political rights to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
During the Foreign Office’s weekly briefing, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi responded to queries regarding the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) characterization of the AJK elections as a “farce.” He categorically rejected these allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
Andrabi noted the timing of India’s remarks as unsurprising, coinciding with the seventh anniversary of its unilateral revocation of the special constitutional status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. He highlighted that these actions violated relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, international law, and India’s own international commitments.
The spokesperson asserted that the elections in AJK are proceeding peacefully, transparently, and orderly, fully compliant with the constitutional and legal frameworks governing the territory. He emphasized that these elections genuinely represent the democratic aspirations and political will of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting India’s ongoing denial of democratic freedoms and fundamental political rights in occupied Kashmir, Andrabi stressed that New Delhi has no authority to comment on the democratic process in AJK. He further stated that India’s attempts to spread misinformation cannot alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, which must be resolved in accordance with UNSC resolutions and the Kashmiri people’s will through a UN-administered plebiscite.
Addressing India’s criticism of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s remarks on Youm-e-Istehsal, Andrabi dismissed the Indian statement as a self-serving justification of its policies in occupied Kashmir. He pointed out the persistent heavy military presence and strict security laws designed to facilitate demographic changes aimed at undermining the Muslim-majority character of the region.
Andrabi also accused India of systematically suppressing Kashmiri voices, underscoring that infrastructure development in the occupied territory cannot replace the internationally recognized right to self-determination. Pakistan remains resolute in supporting the just struggle of the Kashmiri people and called on India to reverse its illegal and unilateral actions and engage in peaceful resolution consistent with relevant UNSC resolutions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues its diplomatic engagement to ease tensions in the Gulf and broader Middle East, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The Foreign Office praised Oman’s role in promoting regional peace and stability, appreciating Muscat’s efforts to encourage dialogue, de-escalation, and peaceful coexistence. Pakistan pledged ongoing support for sincere diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the regional crisis.
As part of these efforts, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on July 30, discussing developments in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Palestine. On August 3, Dar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi about the deteriorating situation in Occupied East Jerusalem and other regional issues, inviting him to visit Pakistan.
In a significant development, Dar traveled to Amman on August 5 to participate in the Ministerial Meeting on Jerusalem, convened by Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. The gathering brought together Arab League members and selected Islamic countries to coordinate a unified response to the worsening situation in occupied Jerusalem. Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and reiterated its commitment to an independent, sovereign, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Dar engaged in bilateral discussions with foreign ministers from Jordan, Turkiye, Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, and Somalia. Additionally, the foreign ministers of the R-4 Group—Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye—held their fifth meeting in Amman, reaffirming support for Palestinian self-determination and emphasizing that a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue remains essential for enduring peace in the Middle East. They also reviewed the broader regional security landscape, stressing the importance of continued diplomacy, consultation, and coordination to foster peace and stability.
Furthermore, the fourth round of the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue took place in Washington on August 5, led by Pakistan’s Special Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir. The dialogue reaffirmed both countries’ shared commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing cooperation against regional militant threats. Discussions included assessments of the current threat environment, border security improvements, and strategies to disrupt terrorist facilitation networks. Both sides emphasized their determination to counter groups such as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Separately, Pakistan and Australia conducted the ninth round of Senior Official Talks and the Joint Trade Committee Meeting in Canberra on August 4. The discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, focusing on expanding cooperation in political, economic, trade, security, and regional matters. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership further.
The Foreign Office spokesperson also recalled Pakistan’s observance of Youm-e-Istehsal on August 5, marking seven years since India revoked the special constitutional status of occupied Kashmir. Pakistan reiterated its steadfast support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
