A group of more than 30 British parliamentarians, spearheaded by Labour MP Imran Hussain, has formally communicated with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper regarding reports of a communications blackout, arrests, and escalating tensions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The MPs have urged the British government to seek clarification from Islamabad and advocate for de-escalation in the region.
Concerns Raised by British Kashmiris
In their letter, the parliamentarians highlighted that they have received numerous representations from British Kashmiris across the United Kingdom who are unable to establish contact with their family members in PoJK. This has led to widespread anxiety and uncertainty within the British Kashmiri community, as reports emerge of internet and mobile service disruptions, restrictions on communications, and a broader lockdown in the area.
Arrests and Restrictions
The letter also references reports of arrests, including those of British nationals, and alleged restrictions on communication and public protest. The MPs expressed concern over what they describe as a breakdown in dialogue between authorities and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee, a civil society platform that has been leading protests in PoJK over electricity tariffs, governance issues, and economic grievances.
Call for De-escalation
While acknowledging that information from rapidly evolving situations can vary, the MPs argued that communication restrictions in politically sensitive environments risk aggravating tensions and undermining public confidence. They sought specific clarifications from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), including its assessment of the reported communications shutdown, steps being taken to assist British nationals in the region, and what representations the UK government has made or intends to make to the authorities in Pakistan and PoJK regarding the restoration of communications.
Demand for Dialogue
The lawmakers also asked what efforts Britain is undertaking to encourage the resumption of dialogue between authorities and protest groups to prevent further escalation. The letter stated: “The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the many British Kashmiris with deep family and community ties to the region, deserve peace, stability, and the opportunity for their concerns to be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.”
Background of Unrest
The letter comes amid months of unrest in PoJK, where protests over inflation, electricity charges, and governance issues have periodically brought demonstrators into confrontation with Pakistani authorities. The region has witnessed repeated shutdowns, arrests, and deployment of security forces as Islamabad seeks to contain growing public discontent.
