UK MP urges immediate restoration of Communications in PoJK
Bradford, June 9
Imran Hussain, Member of Parliament for Bradford East, has voiced concern over the escalating tensions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying that hundreds of his constituents have contacted him expressing alarm over the situation.
In a video message shared on X, Hussain said he had written to the UK Foreign Secretary in his capacity as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, with the backing of more than 50 parliamentarians.
He stated that the group had urgently requested a meeting with Foreign Office ministers to convey the concerns of their constituents regarding the developments in the region.
Hussain also noted that he had tabled a Parliamentary Early Day Motion, which continues to gain support from members across the House. Calling for immediate action, he said, "The government should lift the lockdown immediately, restore full communications immediately, and resume peaceful talks and negotiations immediately, at the heart of which must be respect for Kashmiri human rights."
The MP appealed to the governments of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, to take urgent steps to de-escalate tensions and ensure that the rights of the Kashmiri people are respected.
Several voices from different parts of the world have raised concerns over the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including members of the Kashmiri diaspora, human rights advocates, and community groups.
Demonstrations and public appeals have called for restraint, restoration of communications, protection of civilians, and respect for fundamental human rights in the region.
The statement comes amid rising unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), where protests against the government have grown over governance concerns, economic difficulties, and reserved legislative seats.
Reported clashes between protesters and security forces in Rawalakot and other regions have resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, prompting widespread criticism and demands for an impartial investigation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, while I am deeply patriotic, I think we need to look at this with nuance. The people in PoJK are suffering—protests, deaths, communication blackouts. Whether they are under illegal occupation by Pakistan or not, human rights should not be politicized. India should be the first to call for peace and basic dignity for all Kashmiris, across the Line of Control. 🙏
Typical Western intervention—they only care when it suits their narrative. Where were these MPs when India was dealing with cross-border terrorism from PoJK? Where was the call for Pakistan to stop supporting terror? I am all for human rights, but let's have a balanced conversation. This is about Pakistan's misgovernance and military crackdown in their occupied territory.
As someone from a family with roots in Kashmir, I feel heartbroken seeing what's happening on both sides of the LOC. The people in PoJK are our brothers and sisters, even if they are under illegal occupation. I welcome any international voice that speaks for their rights. But yes, the same energy should be applied to human rights abuses everywhere, including in India-administered Kashmir. Let's not be hypocrites.
Interesting to see this from a British perspective. I'm not Indian, but I follow South Asian affairs. The situation in PoJK looks dire—people are dying in protests. Isn't this a matter of basic human dignity? Whether it's India or Pakistan, governments should not cut off communications and shoot at unarmed protesters. I hope both sides de-escalate and focus on what's best for the people.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.