By taking the issue to the UN, Pakistan globalized the Kashmir conflict, ensuring it was no longer just a bilateral dispute with India.
The UN acknowledged Kashmir as a disputed territory, rejecting India’s claim of full sovereignty.
The UN passed resolutions calling for a free and fair plebiscite to let Kashmiris decide between India and Pakistan.
The UN mediated a ceasefire in 1949, stopping full-scale war between India and Pakistan.
It established the Ceasefire Line (later Line of Control - LoC), which remains a key boundary today.
The UN Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) was deployed to monitor violations, providing Pakistan with an international watchdog.
Pakistan used the UN resolutions to justify its stance in global forums, portraying India as an occupier denying Kashmiri rights.
This helped Pakistan gain support from Muslim-majority countries and some Western nations during the Cold War.
Despite UN resolutions, India refused to hold a plebiscite, claiming Pakistan’s presence in Kashmir made a fair vote impossible.
The UN lacked enforcement power, making the plebiscite a symbolic victory rather than a practical solution.
Wars in 1965, 1971, and 1999 (Kargil) proved that the UN referral did not prevent further violence.
India consolidated control over its part of Kashmir, reducing Pakistan’s influence.
The LoC has been violated repeatedly, with both sides accusing each other of aggression.
The UN debate did not force India to withdraw, and Pakistan failed to secure decisive international intervention.