Upset over the India-Afghanistan joint statement that mentioned Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan on Saturday lodged a strong protest and summoned the Afghan envoy to express its objections. In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) said referring to Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India was a “clear violation” of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
However, the joint statement in reference to Kashmir condemns the Pahalgam attack but makes no mention of the status of the region.
Expressing “strong reservations,” the FO also objected to Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s remark describing terrorism as Pakistan’s internal issue. It added that Pakistan “desires a peaceful, stable, regionally connected, and prosperous Afghanistan.”
“The Additional Foreign Secretary (West Asia & Afghanistan) conveyed Pakistan’s strong reservations to the Afghan envoy regarding the references to Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement. It was made clear that such references are inconsistent with relevant UNSC resolutions,” the FO said.
Reiterating its position, the FO added that Pakistan has the right to regulate the stay of foreign nationals within its borders. It said Islamabad continues to issue medical and study visas to Afghan citizens in the spirit of Islamic solidarity and good neighbourly relations.
On October 10, External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Muttaqi stated that the Taliban would not allow its territory to be used against any other country, and Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
Jaishankar expressed his deep appreciation to Afghanistan for its strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on 22 April 202,5 as well as for the sincere condolences and solidarity expressed with the people and Government of India. Both sides unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism emanating from regional countries. They underscored the importance of promoting peace, stability, and mutual trust in the region.
Following the meeting, the two sides released a joint statement in which Jaishankar thanked Muttaqi for his firm condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack.
