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UK Conference Slams Pakistan's Control Over PoJK, Warns of Deepening Unrest

An international conference in Bradford organized by the United Kashmir People's National Party sharply criticized Pakistan's policies in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir. Speakers accused Pakistan of suppressing rights, denying self-governance, and using administrative fragmentation to deepen grievances in the region. The event reviewed people-led movements and highlighted structural barriers to political empowerment imposed by Pakistani control. Participants called for Pakistan to resume inclusive dialogue with genuine representatives from PoJK and address human rights concerns.

Key Points: Pakistan Accused of Rights Suppression in PoJK at UK Conference

  • Criticism of Pakistan's PoJK policies
  • Administrative changes deepen grievances
  • Focus on Joint Awami Action Committee
  • Highlighted human rights concerns
  • Call for inclusive political dialogue
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Pakistan accused of suppressing rights and deepening divisions in PoJK at conference in UK

Kashmiri diaspora conference in Bradford criticizes Pakistan's political control and economic neglect in PoJK, warning it fuels unrest and denies self-governance.

"Pakistan of maintaining tight control over PoJK's political and economic life while denying its people meaningful self-governance. - Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri"

Bradford Januar, y 22

An international conference organised by the United Kashmir People's National Party in Bradford has sharply criticised Pakistan's policies in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir, warning that continued political control, economic neglect and administrative fragmentation are fuelling unrest and undermining democratic rights in the region.

The conference, attended by a wide cross-section of Kashmiri diaspora members and international participants, strongly opposed any fresh attempts to divide the historical State of Jammu and Kashmir. Speakers emphasised that repeated administrative changes and policy decisions taken without the consent of the people have deepened grievances in PoJK and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), rather than resolving long-standing issues.

The event provided a platform to review the progress and limitations of recent people-led movements. Particular focus was placed on the Joint Awami Action Committee, with participants acknowledging its role in mobilising public opinion while also highlighting the structural barriers imposed by Pakistan that restrict genuine political empowerment in PoJK.

UKPNP Chairman Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, who attended the conference as the chief guest, delivered a strongly worded address accusing Pakistan of maintaining tight control over PoJK's political and economic life while denying its people meaningful self-governance. He argued that the suppression of peaceful movements, the lack of fiscal autonomy, and arbitrary decision-making have intensified frustration among ordinary citizens.

The session was presided over by Sardar Tariq Khan, President of UKPNP UK, and moderated by Sohail Talat, President of the party's Bradford unit. Participants included elected councillors, lord mayors, leaders of allied organisations, international human rights activists, lawyers, academics, policy experts, community representatives and members of the media.

Several speakers highlighted human rights concerns in PoJK, pointing to restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, and called on Pakistan to immediately resume inclusive political dialogue with genuine representatives of the people in the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an international observer, the human rights concerns highlighted are very serious. Denying fiscal autonomy and suppressing peaceful movements is a recipe for long-term instability. The call for inclusive dialogue is the only way forward.
V
Vikram M
The truth is finally coming out. While Pakistan lectures the world on human rights, it has been running a colonial administration in PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. No elections, no rights, just exploitation. The world must take note.
P
Priya S
Respectfully, while I agree with the criticism of Pakistan, we in India must also ensure our own house is in order. Our focus should be on development and integration in J&K, not just pointing fingers. A stable, prosperous Indian Kashmir is the best answer to all this.
R
Rohit P
"Administrative fragmentation" is the key point. Pakistan has always used divide and rule in the regions it occupies. They fear a united Kashmiri identity. Shukriya to the UKPNP for bringing this to a global platform. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
The involvement of councillors, academics, and human rights activists gives this conference credibility. The structural barriers to political empowerment mentioned are a fundamental democratic issue. Hope this leads to concrete international pressure.

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