PoK protests: UK parliamentary panel expresses 'serious concern'; urges govt to raise matter with Pakistan

Ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised “serious concern” among a UK parliamentary group, which has written to the British government over the unrest in the region.

Also Read: Pakistani forces 'open fire' at peaceful protestors in PoK; over 6 killed since unrest - videos of chaos emerge

Imran Hussain, chair of the Kashmir All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), shared a letter on social media on Tuesday highlighting the issue to Hamish Falconer, the UK minister responsible for Pakistan at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).


Hussain, a member of the ruling Labour Party, wrote, "Reports from the ground indicate a complete communications blackout, with mobile, internet, and landline services suspended across the region.”


The Bradford East MP added, "These actions have caused deep anxiety among many of our constituents, who are unable to contact loved ones. The atmosphere has been further strained by reports of heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of residents."

In its statement, the Kashmir APPG condemned both the communications shutdown and the use of force, calling them a “significant” human rights issue. It urged the UK government to engage diplomatically with Islamabad and press for a “peaceful and negotiated settlement” in the region.

“We respectfully request that the FCDO urgently raise this matter with the Pakistani government and push for the immediate restoration of communications, de-escalation of tensions, and meaningful dialogue with stakeholders. We urge the government to act with urgency and moral clarity to prevent further deterioration of the situation,” the letter read.

The FCDO has not yet issued a response. However, Falconer has previously reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with international partners to promote “longer-term stability” in the region.

Why is PoK witnessing protests?
The protests initially began with demands for a regular and subsidised supply of flour and electricity in PoK.

Over time, the movement has grown to encompass a wider array of issues, including reducing the privileges of the Kashmiri elite, abolishing reserved assembly seats, and securing access to free education and healthcare. Activists say the renewed demonstrations stem from the government’s failure to fully implement earlier agreements with protesters, fuelling widespread frustration across local communities.

The protesters have now submitted a 38-point charter of demands, calling for measures such as ending the 12 reserved seats for refugees, rolling back elite privileges, completing pending road construction projects, providing tax relief, maintaining subsidies on flour and electricity, and reforming the judiciary.