In a diplomatic development, India has raised strong objections to the visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, accompanied by a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on January 10, 2024. India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement, describing the visit as “highly objectionable” and asserting that such actions infringe on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The external affairs ministry emphasized that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have always been and will remain integral parts of India. The foreign secretary of India has lodged a robust protest with the British High Commissioner in India regarding this infringement.
The objection comes after Jane Marriott, the UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, shared images from her visit to Mirpur on January 20. She acknowledged the importance of the ties between the UK and Pakistan, particularly with the diaspora rooted in Mirpur. The visit included engagements in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, where she met with various political parties.
India’s objection to the visit is rooted in its consistent stance on the territorial status of Jammu and Kashmir. During the Parliament Winter Session in December 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated India’s claim over Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, emphasizing that it belongs to India. He stated that 24 seats were reserved in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly for representatives from the region, underscoring the country’s commitment to its territorial integrity.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, reinforced India’s clear position on PoK, stating that there is no need to reiterate the stance as it considers the region an integral part of India. This objection to the UK High Commissioner’s visit aligns with India’s long-standing policy on the issue.
The diplomatic row coincides with protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, where residents are facing severe challenges, including extended power outages of 18 to 20 hours during the intense winter season. The locals are also expressing discontent over inflated electricity bills. Additionally, there are demonstrations against the increased concessional price of wheat, with thousands participating in sit-ins to voice their grievances.
The diplomatic tensions between India and the UK over the visit to PoK highlight the sensitivity of territorial issues and the importance of respecting the sovereignty of nations. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be observing how the involved parties navigate this complex diplomatic challenge.
