US reacts over Pakistan’s strong response of expelling Indian envoy from Islamabad
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ISLAMABAD - United States reacts over Pakistan’s strong response of expelling Indian envoy from Islamabad.
The United States said on Thursday called for calm and restraint as Islamabad expelled New Delhi’s envoy.
“We continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern,” the US State Department said in a statement.
India on Monday revoked Article 370 of its constitution stripping occupied Kashmir or its special status. In response, Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic ties with India.
Noting the broader implications of India’s Kashmir move, Washington further stated that it was closely “following India’s legislation regarding the new territorial status and governance of Jammu and Kashmir”.
Escalating tensions in the region – which earlier peaked after Pakistan shot down at least one Indian fighter aircraft in February – raised concerns in the State Department on the potential of increased instability between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
“We continue to be concerned by reports of detentions and the continued restrictions on the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. We urge respect for individual rights, compliance with legal procedures, and inclusive dialogue with those affected,” added the statement.
