Islamabad: Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and ex-Ambassador of Pakistan to key international posts, Sardar Masood Khan, stated that restoring statehood to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is merely an administrative step that cannot replace the right to self-determination. He emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir issue remains unresolved under United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and requires a free, impartial plebiscite for settlement.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan’s comments came during a television interview where he noted the increasing dissatisfaction among IIOJK political parties with India’s policies post the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019. Khan highlighted that the aspirations of the Kashmiri people go beyond statehood restoration to include their internationally recognized right to decide their future.
Khan also pointed out the Indian government’s delay in restoring statehood, despite assurances to its Supreme Court, as indicative of hesitation to grant real political power to IIOJK’s elected leaders. Despite elections in 2024, he remarked that significant authority remains with the Lieutenant Governor.
Citing statements from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Khan noted growing frustration among pro-India political figures in IIOJK, with legislative attempts and protests highlighting dissatisfaction with centralized governance since 2019.
Khan stressed that India’s legal amendments cannot change Jammu and Kashmir’s disputed status as per international law, with UNSC resolutions being the legal basis for the dispute. He reiterated India’s unilateral actions lack legal effect on Kashmir’s status.
Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts, Khan mentioned Islamabad’s consistent advocacy for the Jammu and Kashmir issue in international forums and noted the May 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India underscored Kashmir as a regional flashpoint.
Concluding, Khan urged the international community to facilitate dialogue for peaceful resolution and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Kashmiris’ aspirations, asserting that sustainable peace in South Asia hinges on UNSC resolutions’ implementation and the realization of Kashmiris’ self-determination rights.