Pakistan has strongly rejected India's comments regarding the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, describing the remarks as baseless and misleading. In a statement, the Foreign Office said India's assertions concerning Gilgit-Baltistan could not distract attention from what it called serious and systematic human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The statement accused India of promoting false narratives and propaganda, saying the latest comments were part of an attempt to distort facts. Pakistan rejected the remarks and reaffirmed its position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
According to the Foreign Office, the dispute remains on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council and stems from what it described as India's unlawful occupation of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. Pakistan maintained that a lasting resolution of the issue requires the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, allowing the Kashmiri people to determine their future through a free and impartial plebiscite under UN supervision. The Foreign Office also criticised laws enforced in IIOJK, alleging they provide impunity to Indian forces and contribute to the suffering of residents.
Pakistan called on India to reverse measures introduced in the region since August 5, 2019, repeal what it termed restrictive laws, and permit access to international human rights organisations, humanitarian agencies, independent observers and foreign media. The statement further urged India to facilitate the right of self-determination for the people of Kashmir in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
