FO slams India's remarks on AJK polls, says it has no 'standing or moral authority' to comment on process

The Foreign Office (FO) strongly condemned India's comments on the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), stating that India had "neither the standing nor the moral authority" to comment on the process. FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi made the remarks while responding to a question about India's reaction to the ongoing polls. Indian External Affairs Minister's (MEA) had previously labeled the polls as a "farce," claiming they were "hollow exercises" that could not mask the reality.

Andrabi also dismissed India's claims that the elections were being conducted peacefully and transparently, noting that they were in line with the constitutional and legal framework of the region. He further emphasized that India's denial of fundamental political rights and democratic freedoms in occupied Kashmir rendered it unfit to comment on AJK's democratic process.

Andrabi reiterated that the final disposition of occupied Kashmir was to be decided in accordance with UNSC resolutions and through a UN-administered plebiscite.

Furthermore, Andrabi criticized India's efforts to suppress the voices of the Kashmiri people and called on the country to reverse its illegal actions of August 5, 2019, to create an environment conducive to peaceful settlement. He also commented on India's actions in suppressing human rights and international obligations in the region.

Regarding Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to mediate between the US and Iran, Andrabi mentioned that Pakistan remained engaged in resolving the crisis, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. He expressed hope that the agreement on the Strait would pave the way for resuming talks between the US and Iran under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).