Islamabad has dismissed New Delhi's criticism of the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, asserting that India lacks the credibility to judge a democratic exercise it claims is a sham. The rebuke came during a weekly press briefing on Thursday, when Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi responded to the Indian External Affairs Ministry's characterization of the polls as a “farce.” Andrabi's remarks were pointed, referencing the upcoming anniversary of India's August 5, 2019 actions in Jammu and Kashmir—a move Pakistan has long condemned as illegal and unilateral. He argued that India's statements were not only baseless but also an attempt to divert attention from its own record in the region. Main Developments Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian MEA's comments, with Andrabi stating that India has “neither the standing nor the moral authority” to comment on AJK's democratic process. He emphasized that the elections are being conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with the region's constitutional and legal framework, reflecting the political will of the people. Read also: 5 Key Facts About the MDCAT Reschedule to Sept 20 Andrabi also dismissed India's invocation of casualty figures as misleading, arguing that such tactics cannot obscure India's actions in occupied Kashmir. He accused India of continued violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as a persistent failure to meet its international obligations. Beyond the immediate rebuke, the spokesperson touched on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts regarding the US-Iran situation. He confirmed that Pakistan remains engaged in mediating the crisis, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, and hopes for a resumption of technical-level talks between Washington and Tehran. Background The dispute over Jammu and Kashmir dates back to the partition of the subcontinent, with the region's status internationally recognized as disputed. The UN Security Council has passed resolutions calling for a plebiscite to determine the will of the Kashmiri people—a mechanism Pakistan continues to advocate. India's August 2019 decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two union territories was met with widespread condemnation from Pakistan and international observers. Since then, Islamabad has consistently raised the issue at global forums, and the AJK elections are seen as a counterpoint to India's actions. Pakistan's Foreign Office has also been active on the diplomatic front regarding the US-Iran tensions, with the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) serving as a framework for potential dialogue. The spokesperson praised Oman's efforts toward de-escalation, highlighting the sultanate's role as a littoral state. Why It Matters The exchange underscores the deep-seated rift between Pakistan and India over Kashmir, a flashpoint that has sparked two wars and numerous skirmishes. For Pakistan, the elections in AJK are a demonstration of democratic legitimacy, while India views them as a farce—a clash that resonates beyond the region. The timing, just ahead of the August 5 anniversary, amplifies the rhetoric and could complicate any potential dialogue between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Moreover, Pakistan's active role in the US-Iran mediation signals its ambition to be a regional peace broker, a position that could influence its standing in international diplomacy. What's Next As the AJK elections continue in phases, Pakistan is likely to maintain its stance that the process is free and fair, while India may intensify its criticism. The FO spokesperson's call for India to reverse its 2019 actions suggests that Pakistan will keep pressing the issue at the UN and other forums. On the US-Iran front, Pakistan's hope is that a Strait of Hormuz agreement will lead to renewed talks under the Islamabad MoU. Whether that materializes remains an open question, but Islamabad's commitment to active engagement appears firm.