Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, confirmed that Islamabad contacted US authorities after they released a map of India showing the entire Jammu and Kashmir region as Indian territory. In a public briefing, he described the map as “illegal” and inconsistent with the United Nations’ position on the disputed area.
“This map was put up at certain handles. We contacted the US authorities, and they realised that this map was illegal,” Andrabi told reporters. He added that the map did not reflect the internationally recognised position of the region.
UN-Sanctioned Map Recognises Jammu and Kashmir as Disputed
Andrabi clarified, “The international map on Jammu and Kashmir, and as a result, the international map delineating Pakistan and Indian territories, is legally sanctified by the United Nations.” He urged people to refer to the UN website for the accurate depiction, saying, “So if you go to the United Nations website, you will see the accurate map.”
He welcomed the correction by the US authorities, stating, “And we note with satisfaction that the US side made the requisite correction to highlight the legal UN-sanctioned map of our region.” According to Andrabi, the UN-recognised map “clearly delineates Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory whose settlement is to be done through a UN-administered plebiscite in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.”
US Trade Representative Removes Controversial Map
The controversy arose after the US Trade Representative (USTR) shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) showing a map of India including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin as fully part of India. The map was posted when the US and India announced a bilateral interim trade agreement framework.
India Maintains Its Territorial Claims
India maintains that the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir “has been, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India.” The country also asserts that Aksai Chin is part of its territory, based on historical claims and previous treaties.
