Jaishankar: India awaits return of PoK for complete Kashmir resolution; Abdullahs challenge the centre

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at Chatham House in London, stated that India is "waiting for the return of the stolen parts of Kashmir [by Pakistan]" to fully resolve the Kashmir issue. His remarks sparked a sharp response from National Conference leaders Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah, who questioned why the Centre has not yet acted to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), urging them to "do it now."

Jaishankar outlined India's progress in Kashmir, saying, "We have done a good job solving most of it. Removing Article 370 was step one. Restoring economic growth and social justice was step two. Conducting high-turnout elections was step three." He emphasized that the final step would be the return of PoK, asserting, "Once that is done, I assure you—Kashmir will be solved."

Abdullahs Question Government’s Stand on PoK

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah challenged Jaishankar’s statement in the assembly, asking, "Who is stopping them from taking PoK? If the Centre can reclaim it, then do it now." He also pointed out the absence of discussions about the land controlled by China, questioning, "One portion is with Pakistan, but another is with China. Why does no one talk about that?"

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Who has stopped them from taking PoK? They can get it whenever they want. We have not stopped them."

The remarks have reignited the debate over the status of PoK and India's approach toward reclaiming the region.