NEW DELHI: Pakistan has justified in an official statement its decision to not allow a senior Indian diplomat to lead the Indian mission, accusing India of trying to “circumvent the effect of downgrading of relations”.
As first reported by TOI on Sunday, Pakistan had blocked the appointment of Jayant Khobragade, an IFS officer of 1995 batch, saying he was too senior to lead the Indian mission at a time bilateral ties had been downgraded.
The government, however, believes that’s just the ostensible reason at a time Pakistan is carrying out an information war internationally against India on the Kashmir issue.
Pakistan, in fact, brought up the Jammu & Kashmir issue in its statement on Khobragade saying that the relations between India and Pakistan are “inextricably linked to the resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions”.
Pakistan said it had “counselled” India to nominate an officer with seniority commensurate with Pakistan’s decision of downgrading the diplomatic relations.
While Pakistan had recalled its high commissioner last year to protest against India’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu & Kashmir, India had further downgraded ties by halving the mission strength in June this year.
India had said that Pakistan officials here were engaged in espionage and terrorism-related activities.
“A just and lasting solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute is critical for durable peace and stability in South Asia. Accordingly, India is once again reminded of its international obligations with regard to the Jammu & Kashmir dispute. India must listen to the voices of the Kashmiri people and the world community,” said Pakistan in its statement.
As first reported by TOI on Sunday, Pakistan had blocked the appointment of Jayant Khobragade, an IFS officer of 1995 batch, saying he was too senior to lead the Indian mission at a time bilateral ties had been downgraded.
The government, however, believes that’s just the ostensible reason at a time Pakistan is carrying out an information war internationally against India on the Kashmir issue.
Pakistan, in fact, brought up the Jammu & Kashmir issue in its statement on Khobragade saying that the relations between India and Pakistan are “inextricably linked to the resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions”.
Pakistan said it had “counselled” India to nominate an officer with seniority commensurate with Pakistan’s decision of downgrading the diplomatic relations.
While Pakistan had recalled its high commissioner last year to protest against India’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu & Kashmir, India had further downgraded ties by halving the mission strength in June this year.
India had said that Pakistan officials here were engaged in espionage and terrorism-related activities.
“A just and lasting solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute is critical for durable peace and stability in South Asia. Accordingly, India is once again reminded of its international obligations with regard to the Jammu & Kashmir dispute. India must listen to the voices of the Kashmiri people and the world community,” said Pakistan in its statement.