DFP seeks clarification from Trump over US envoy’s Kashmir remarks
Party says Sergio Gor’s statement is inconsistent with UN framework
Islamabad: The Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has urged US President Donald Trump to clarify Washington’s policy on Jammu and Kashmir following a statement attributed to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, DFP Acting Chairman Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, in a letter addressed to President Trump, expressed concern that the ambassador’s characterization appeared to prejudge the final status of a territory that has remained an internationally recognized dispute for decades.
Saghar pointed out that the Kashmir dispute has been before the United Nations since 1948 and that the UN Security Council adopted a series of resolutions providing an international framework for its peaceful settlement. He specifically referred to Security Council resolutions 38, 39, 47, 51, 80, 91, 96, 98 and 122, emphasizing that the final disposition of Jammu and Kashmir was not accepted as something that could be unilaterally determined by either India or Pakistan.
The DFP leader said Resolution 122 of January 24, 1957, reaffirmed earlier UN principles and maintained that the final disposition of Jammu and Kashmir should be made in accordance with the will of its people through a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices. He said the resolution also made clear that actions by a constituent assembly could not by themselves constitute a final settlement of the territory’s status.
Saghar said the statement attributed to Ambassador Gor had therefore raised serious concerns about whether Washington had fundamentally altered its longstanding approach to the Kashmir dispute. He urged President Trump to clarify whether the ambassador’s remarks represented the official policy of the US government.
The DFP Acting Chairman called on Washington to reaffirm that it does not prejudge the final status of Jammu and Kashmir and to recognize the continuing relevance of the UN Security Council resolutions concerning the dispute.
He also urged the US administration to encourage India and Pakistan to resume meaningful dialogue and support a peaceful and just settlement that takes into account the political aspirations and fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people.
Saghar warned that continued denial of the political nature of the Kashmir dispute could deepen mistrust and prolong instability between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed countries.
He appealed to President Trump to examine the matter seriously and ensure that statements by US diplomatic representatives accurately reflect Washington’s official policy, stressing that a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute would contribute to lasting peace and stability in South Asia.
