On June 9, protesters gathered outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford, accusing Pakistani authorities of using excessive force against civilians participating in demonstrations across POK. Organisers, many of whom belong to the Kashmiri diaspora, alleged that several civilians were killed and injured during the security operation, particularly in Rawalakot, where protests have intensified since June 5.
The demonstrations come as the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) planned a protest march to press the government to implement a 38-point charter of demands. The proposed agenda includes subsidised flour, affordable electricity, and broader economic relief measures. The protest rally was scheduled for June 9.
The unrest in POK has reportedly been driven by demands for basic rights, economic assistance, lower electricity costs, and greater accountability from authorities. Activists associated with the movement have alleged that security crackdowns over the past two days resulted in more than 100 deaths and numerous injuries.
The latest developments have attracted growing international scrutiny. Public grievances linked to shortages of electricity and food are longstanding issues in the region and have triggered multiple protest movements in the past.
According to a Press Trust of India report published on June 7, a British parliamentary group comprising nearly 30 MPs formally raised concerns regarding reports of communication disruptions, arrests, and escalating tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
In a letter addressed to the United Kingdom Foreign Office, Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, highlighted reports of a communications blackout as part of a broader lockdown in the region.
The letter, signed by nearly 30 Members of Parliament, urged the British government to “engage proactively and use all appropriate diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation and a peaceful resolution” of the situation.
The parliamentarians expressed concern over reports of arrests, including those involving British nationals, restrictions on communications, and what they described as a breakdown in dialogue between authorities and representatives of the JAAC.
“We are also concerned by reports of arrests, including those of British nationals, restrictions on communications, and a breakdown in dialogue between the authorities and representatives of the JAAC,” the lawmakers stated.
The group further warned that communication restrictions in a politically sensitive environment could aggravate tensions and weaken public confidence.
Tensions intensified after authorities in POK banned the JAAC on Friday, citing concerns related to public order and security. The organisation has been leading demonstrations demanding implementation of its 38-point charter, which includes subsidised flour, affordable electricity, and the abolition of 12 seats reserved for Kashmiris in the regional legislative assembly.
Following the ban, authorities reportedly detained dozens of individuals associated with the movement.
The British parliamentarians noted that negotiations between authorities and protest representatives had stalled due to disagreements over longstanding civic, governance, and human rights concerns. They called for peaceful dialogue, restraint, and meaningful engagement with those raising grievances.
The MPs also sought clarification from the British government regarding its assessment of the situation, measures being taken to assist British nationals and their families in the region, and efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.
The unfolding crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir has emerged as a significant international concern, with allegations of excessive force, communication restrictions, arrests, and unresolved economic grievances drawing attention beyond the region. As tensions continue to rise, calls for diplomatic engagement and a peaceful resolution are growing louder on the global stage.
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