'Despicable': UK MP Bob Blackman slams Pakistan's lethal crackdown in PoK
By Sahil Pandey, London, June 11
British MP Bob Blackman has launched a blistering attack on the Pakistani military for using live ammunition against peaceful protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, branding the crackdown a "despicable act" of state-sponsored violence.
In an interview with ANI, the senior Conservative lawmaker expressed deep alarm over reports of rising casualties, noting that while authorities claim nine deaths, local accounts report over 30 people killed and hundreds injured.
"This is a despicable attack on civilians, most of whom, of course, are concerned about having enough food to eat and having the position whereby their human rights are protected," Blackman told ANI.
The crisis has reached the doorstep of the UK Parliament, with Blackman confirming that British nationals are among those injured in the violence, which he described as "a direct concern to the United Kingdom".
Blackman has formally requested that the Foreign Secretary address the House of Commons to demand an immediate explanation for the brutality. "I asked the leader of the house to arrange for the foreign secretary to make a statement next week on what action she has taken to call in the Pakistani high commissioner and give them a dressing down on this," he said.
In a significant shift, the MP noted that 30 British lawmakers--including those historically aligned with Pakistan--have written to the Foreign Secretary to express their outrage, signalling a rare and unified condemnation of the military's actions.
Reiterating his long-standing position that "since 1947 Pakistan has illegally occupied this part of India", Blackman called for the full implementation of UN resolutions, advocating that the Pakistani military "should leave the Kashmir Valley" and that the territory be "reunited as part of sovereign India".
He further warned that there "could well be an escalation of this" if the military continues to pursue peaceful protesters into their homes and hospitals.
Beyond the immediate crisis, Blackman offered glowing praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating his tenure as India's longest-serving directly elected Prime Minister. He lauded PM Modi's work ethic and diplomatic success, asserting that India is "going from strength to strength" under his "beneficial leadership".
Regarding the future of India-UK relations, Blackman pressed for the elimination of severe trade tariffs and urged the opening of professional service sectors, noting that "there's still a lot of work to be done".
Highlighting the geopolitical threat of the China-Pakistan axis, the MP advocated for integrating India into advanced security frameworks similar to the 'Five Eyes' alliance to ensure regional stability and safeguard India's interests.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the international attention, I wish more Western leaders would be consistent. Where were the same voices when similar human rights issues were raised elsewhere? But yes, the situation in PoK is indeed heartbreaking - over 30 dead and hundreds injured just for demanding basic rights. The Pakistani military's brutality knows no bounds.
Good to see bipartisan support in the UK Parliament - 30 MPs including those usually pro-Pakistan writing to the Foreign Secretary. That's significant. But I'm skeptical about the 'Five Eyes' inclusion talk. India should build its own intelligence networks rather than relying on Western alliances. Self-reliance first, partnerships later.
The fact that British nationals were among the injured brings this close to home. The Pakistani military thinks they can suppress people with bullets? Kashmiris have faced this for 77 years and they're still standing. Blackman's call for UN resolution implementation is spot on. PoK is, was, and always will be part of India. ❤️
While I condemn the crackdown, I wish our own media and government would be equally vocal about human rights issues within our borders. Let's not use this to score political points. Every innocent life matters, whether in PoK, Gaza, or anywhere else. But yes, the Pakistani army's behavior is despicable - shooting at people asking for food and dignity.
Bob Blackman saying "Pakistan has illegally occupied this part of India since 1947" - that's the simple truth that no amount of propaganda can hide. The world needs more leaders like him who call a
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