India, July 29 : India on Tuesday strongly criticised Pakistan’s conduct of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), describing the exercise as an attempt to create a false impression of democratic governance while allegedly concealing what New Delhi termed an illegal occupation of Indian territory.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India’s long-standing position that the entire Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including regions currently under Pakistan’s control, are an integral part of India.
Responding to questions about the so-called legislative assembly elections held in PoK, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the electoral process lacked legitimacy and was being used by Pakistan to divert attention from alleged human rights concerns in the region.
“We have seen reports regarding the so-called legislative assembly elections being conducted in PoK. This cosmetic electoral exercise is nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations,” Jaiswal said.
India reiterates position on Jammu and Kashmir
The MEA maintained that India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir has remained unchanged for decades. According to New Delhi, Pakistan continues to hold control over certain areas through what it describes as an unlawful occupation.
The government asserted that all parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh historically and constitutionally belong to India, rejecting any claims suggesting otherwise.
India has repeatedly raised concerns over governance, security conditions, and rights-related issues in Pakistan-administered areas, while maintaining that Pakistan must address its own record before commenting on democratic processes elsewhere.
New Delhi challenges Pakistan’s Indus Valley narrative
The MEA also responded to questions regarding Pakistan’s attempts to associate itself with the legacy of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation.
Rejecting Islamabad’s claims, the Indian government pointed to Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism, extremism, and violence, arguing that such actions contradict the values associated with the region’s ancient pluralistic cultural heritage.
The MEA spokesperson said that a country accused of promoting cross-border terrorism and religious fundamentalism for decades cannot claim ownership of a civilisation known for diversity, coexistence, and cultural exchange.
Historical legacy becomes a fresh point of debate
The Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the world’s oldest urban cultures, flourished thousands of years ago across parts of present-day India and Pakistan. Sites linked to the civilisation include major archaeological locations spread across the wider Indus region.
The heritage of the civilisation has often been a subject of historical and political discussion between India and Pakistan, with both countries highlighting their connections to ancient settlements and cultural traditions.
India has argued that historical and cultural identities cannot be separated from broader values of tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence.
Diplomatic tensions continue
The latest remarks come amid continuing disagreements between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir, cross-border security concerns, and historical narratives.
New Delhi has consistently maintained that dialogue with Islamabad can only progress in an environment free from terrorism and violence. Pakistan, meanwhile, continues to raise international concerns over Kashmir, a position India has repeatedly rejected.
The exchange over PoK elections and the Indus Valley legacy reflects the broader diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries, where political disputes often intersect with questions of history, identity, and cultural heritage.