British envoy in Pakistan visits Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

India protests

New Delhi – India has protested British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott’s visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). India has also protested with the British High Commissioner in India regarding the visit. High Commissioner Jane visited the city of Mirpur in PoK on 10th January. High Commissioner Jane’s visit to PoK took place when India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was meeting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during his visit to Britain. This shows Britain’s double standards with India.

India protested with Britain saying that India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be violated in this way. Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will remain an integral part of India. According to Pakistani media reports, Jane is the first British High Commissioner to visit PoK. While posting the photo of this meeting on social media, Jane wrote, ‘Greetings from Mirpur, the heart of the UK and Pakistan’s people-to-people ties ! 70% of British Pakistani roots are from Mirpur, making our work together crucial for diaspora interests.

The US ambassador visited PoK on October 23

In October last year, US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome also visited Muzaffarabad in PoK. He then described that area as belonging to Pakistan. India had condemned that visit. India had said that it hoped the international community would respect our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We consider this entire region as an integral part of India.

In April 2023, US’ Muslim lawmaker Ilhan Umar also visited PoK. It was also condemned by India. Later, Derek Chollet, advisor to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, clarified the position of the US in this regard. He had said that this was an informal and personal visit and had nothing to do with the US or its policies.

Editorial Viewpoint

The US and the European countries pretend to be India’s friends on the one hand, while try to rub salt on India’s wounds on the other ! India should pay serious attention to their policies and start responding accordingly !