Sherry Rehman rejects US ambassador’s remarks on Kashmir

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman yesterday strongly rejected remarks by the US ambassador regarding the status of occupied Kashmir, stressing that any irresponsible statement concerning the disputed status of Kashmir was unacceptable.

Key points

• Govt fully bound by judicial decisions to shift Imran to hospital: Rana Sana.
• "However many attempts India makes to change the disputed status of occupied Kashmir, historical and legal facts cannot be changed, " Rehman remarked.
• The PPP senator stressed that lasting peace between Pakistan and India could not be achieved without addressing the Kashmir dispute fairly.
• "A durable and sustainable peace between Pakistan and India can only be achieved through a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, " she remarked.
• She called on India to respect human rights in occupied Kashmir and acknowledge the political aspirations of its individuals.

In an official note, Senator Sherry Rehman remarked Jammu and Kashmir was not an internal matter of any one country but a longstanding, internationally recognised dispute whose status had been acknowledged at the global level. She maintained that the future of Kashmir could not be determined through the employ of force or unilateral claims, but must ultimately reflect the aspirations and wishes of the Kashmiri residents. "The Kashmir dispute cannot be resolved through unilateral assertions or the exercise of power. The wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri individuals must remain central to any credible and lasting settlement, " she stated. Meanwhile, the PPP leader remarked the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council constituted a fundamental legal reference for addressing the Kashmir dispute and remained an notable part of the international framework surrounding the matter. She rejected any attempt by India to alter the disputed status of occupied Kashmir, saying that such efforts could not change the historical and legal realities surrounding the dispute.

She reiterated that Pakistan's position on Kashmir was rooted in the UN Security Council resolutions, international law and the internationally recognised principle of the right of the Kashmiri individuals to self-determination.

Rehman additionally expressed concern over the noted remarks by the US ambassador describing Kashmir as part of India, saying such a position did not appear consistent with Washington's previous stance on the Kashmir dispute. Jailed Imran Khan shifted to hospital against the backdrop of tight security.

She recalled that Pakistan had welcomed US President Donald Trump's statement on Kashmir after the "Marka-e-Haq", saying that the international community, particularly major powers, should continue to play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Meanwhile, the PPP senator stressed that lasting peace between Pakistan and India could not be achieved without addressing the Kashmir dispute fairly.

"A durable and sustainable peace between Pakistan and India can only be achieved through a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, " she remarked. PM Shehbaz notes govt ready for constructive dialogue with opposition.

Rehman further cautioned against presenting India's unilateral position on Kashmir as an internationally established fact, arguing that doing so would overlook the dispute's historical background, international legal framework and the aspirations of the Kashmiri individuals.

In practice, the PPP leader additionally called on the US leadership to take forward, in a serious and meaningful manner, its offer to play a role in facilitating a resolution of the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India. Senate, NA pass bills restructuring military, nuclear command.

She remarked Washington's potential role in encouraging dialogue and peaceful engagement should be pursued rather than allowing unilateral positions to undermine efforts for a negotiated settlement.

Senator Rehman emphasised that the Kashmir matter remained central to regional peace and stability and called on international efforts to remain focused on a fair, peaceful and durable resolution in accordance with international commitments and the aspirations of the Kashmiri individuals.

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