Pakistan has strongly dismissed India’s objections to the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections, describing New Delhi’s statements as misleading and politically motivated. The response came after India raised concerns regarding the elections scheduled to take place in Gilgit-Baltistan on June 7.
In an official statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said that India’s remarks were based on false narratives and an attempt to distort facts. According to Islamabad, such statements are part of a repeated pattern aimed at diverting attention from the core issues surrounding the long-standing Kashmir dispute.
The Foreign Office emphasized that Gilgit-Baltistan elections are a democratic process that allows the people of the region to choose their representatives. Authorities noted that the region has been moving toward greater self-governance since the introduction of reforms designed to strengthen local administration and political participation.
Pakistan also reiterated its position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, stating that it remains an internationally recognized issue pending resolution under relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Officials stressed that a peaceful and lasting solution should be based on the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their own future through a free and impartial process.
The statement further accused India of attempting to shift international focus away from the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Pakistan expressed concerns regarding alleged human rights violations in the region and called for greater access for international observers, humanitarian organizations, and global media outlets to assess conditions independently.
Islamabad also urged India to reverse unilateral measures introduced in the disputed territory since August 2019 and to comply with international obligations regarding the Kashmir issue. Pakistani officials maintained that dialogue, respect for international law, and adherence to UN resolutions remain essential for achieving stability and peace in South Asia.
The upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections continue to be viewed by Pakistan as an important democratic exercise, while the government remains firm in rejecting external criticism regarding the electoral process.
