UK Parliamentarians Urge De-escalation Amid Unrest in Azad Kashmir

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BRADFORD, UK — A cross-party group of more than 40 British parliamentarians, led by the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, Imran Hussain MP, has issued an urgent call for de-escalation and the protection of human rights in Azad Kashmir.

The appeal comes as the region faces its most severe civil unrest in recent years, sparked by a ruling from the Supreme Court of Azad Kashmir regarding 12 legislative seats reserved for refugees. The protests, organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have led to widespread strikes, road blockades, and clashes between demonstrators and security forces, resulting in at least 24 deaths since early June 2026.

Urgent Concerns Over Humanitarian Conditions

In a statement reflecting the growing alarm among the British-Kashmiri diaspora, Imran Hussain highlighted reports of a “communications blackout” and a broader lockdown affecting the region. The APPG expressed deep concern over the suspension of internet and mobile services, which has hindered residents’ access to information and their ability to contact family members.

Furthermore, the group raised alarms regarding the humanitarian situation, citing reports of restrictions on the movement of food and medical supplies. Lawmakers emphasized that these measures, coupled with the alleged denial of access to peaceful arbitrators and political figures, are exacerbating hardships for ordinary citizens.

Call for Diplomatic Intervention

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Minister of State for Kashmir-related affairs, the delegation of British MPs urged authorities to:

End the lockdown: Immediate lifting of restrictions on public life and movement.
Restore communications: Immediate resumption of full telecommunications and internet services.
Allow access: Facilitating movement for humanitarian organizations and peaceful arbitrators to reach the affected areas.
Resume negotiations: A return to peaceful table talks, prioritizing the “inalienable human rights of the Kashmiri people” rather than coercive measures.

Context of the Crisis

The current instability follows the local government’s decision on June 5, 2026, to proscribe the JAAC under anti-terrorism legislation. This move intensified public anger, as the group had been campaigning on a 38-point charter addressing economic grievances, such as electricity and flour subsidies, as well as constitutional reforms regarding legislative representation.

As tensions remain high, British parliamentarians have sought clarification from the UK Foreign Office regarding its assessment of the situation and the steps being taken to ensure the safety of British nationals with family ties to the region. The APPG remains committed to pushing for a peaceful resolution, warning that divisive language and state-led crackdowns are “not helping anybody” and only serve to undermine stability.