Pakistan Backs Global Mediation on Kashmir Dispute

Pakistan has expressed strong support for Kashmir mediation, welcoming any effort by the United States or other countries to help resolve the long-standing dispute. Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Islamabad prefers diplomacy over confrontation but stressed that meaningful progress depends on India’s willingness to engage.

Diplomacy Over Confrontation

Speaking at the weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan is ready to pursue diplomatic channels to address issues with India. However, he noted that there are currently no direct contacts between the two countries beyond routine diplomatic exchanges.

He emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to peaceful dialogue but will not compromise on its core stance regarding Jammu and Kashmir. “The dispute must be resolved in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” he said.

Clear Position on Jammu and Kashmir

Responding to media reports suggesting that India may restore statehood to Jammu while treating other parts of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) differently, the spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s position. He called Jammu and Kashmir a disputed territory whose final status must be determined through internationally recognized processes.

He condemned India’s unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, which stripped the region of its special status. These moves, he said, violated the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention. Any further steps in line with these actions, he warned, would also breach international law.

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Condemnation of Cultural Suppression

Khan criticized the banning of books by renowned authors Arundhati Roy and Maulana Abul A’la al-Maududi by authorities in IIOJK. He called it another example of India’s “draconian and illegal” control over the region.

“This is not just censorship—it is an attempt to erase voices that challenge the official narrative,” he said. Pakistan, he added, will continue to highlight such actions on international platforms.

Rejecting Resource-Related Speculation

Addressing speculation about a secret agreement with the United States concerning Pakistan’s natural resources, the spokesperson firmly denied the claims. He assured that Pakistan would never compromise its national interests for any external deal.

“Our resources and sovereignty are non-negotiable,” he stressed.

Allegations of Indian-Backed Terrorism

The spokesperson accused India of sponsoring terrorism inside Pakistan. He claimed that insurgent activities in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were being orchestrated from Afghan territory.

Pakistan, he said, has repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to take action against terrorist sanctuaries operating within Afghanistan’s borders. “A stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan and the region,” he noted.

Strengthening Ties with Russia

Khan also highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s relationship with Russia. He described it as a priority in Islamabad’s foreign policy agenda.

He said both countries are working together to strengthen their partnership, which serves not only bilateral interests but also contributes to regional peace and stability.

“The relationship with Russia has grown steadily, and both sides are committed to enhancing cooperation in diverse areas,” he added.

Commitment to Peaceful Solutions

Throughout the briefing, the spokesperson stressed that Pakistan’s approach to foreign policy remains rooted in diplomacy, regional stability, and adherence to international law. He reiterated that Islamabad would welcome credible third-party facilitation on Kashmir but maintained that any real breakthrough would require India’s willingness to engage in meaningful talks.

He underlined that Pakistan will continue to raise the Kashmir issue globally, oppose human rights violations in the region, and seek peaceful resolutions to all disputes.

Pakistan reaffirmed it will persistently raise the Kashmir issue on global forums, oppose all human rights violations in the region, and seek peaceful, lawful, and negotiated solutions to ensure regional stability and lasting peace.