'Pakistan Must Be Held Accountable': British MPs Raise Alarm Over Crackdown In PoK

Last Updated:July 09, 2026, 15:02 IST

Members of the British Kashmiri diaspora have alleged that communication blackouts and restrictions have made it increasingly difficult for families in the UK to contact relatives

Allegations of a widening crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) echoed through the UK Parliament this week as British lawmakers from across party lines called for Pakistan to be held accountable over human rights violations, intimidation of civilians and the targeting of families linked to the United Kingdom.

The discussion, chaired by British MP Imran Hussain, brought together parliamentarians who voiced concern over reports of an escalating security crackdown, communications restrictions and the treatment of protesters in PoK.

Several MPs urged the UK government to closely monitor the situation and raise the issue with Islamabad, arguing that developments in the region have direct implications for thousands of British citizens with family ties to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The meeting was organised following sustained lobbying by members of the British Kashmiri diaspora, who have alleged that communication blackouts and restrictions imposed in parts of PoK have made it increasingly difficult for families in the UK to contact relatives.

Participants described the parliamentary discussion as a “significant diplomatic victory", saying international attention on the developments in PoK was growing.

‘Pakistan Must Be Held Accountable’

Lawmakers repeatedly called for accountability over allegations of excessive use of force by Pakistani authorities. “Pakistan must be held accountable for atrocities in PoK," several participants said during the discussion, urging greater international scrutiny of Islamabad’s actions.

MP Jeremy Corbyn described reports emerging from the region as “terrible", pointing to allegations of shortages of essential supplies, arbitrary detentions and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. He called for greater transparency and respect for fundamental rights, saying the international community should not ignore developments in the region.

UK Citizens’ Families Allegedly Targeted

British MP Tahir Ali alleged that Pakistani security forces had targeted the families of British citizens living in PoK, describing the reports as deeply concerning.

According to Ali, actions taken against relatives of UK residents raised serious questions about respect for international legal norms and basic civil liberties.

Several lawmakers also criticised reports that British citizens and members of the diaspora had allegedly been branded “terrorists" for speaking publicly about the situation in PoK. MPs argued that such allegations amounted to intimidation aimed at silencing dissent beyond Pakistan’s borders.

Calls For Accountability

MP Paul Walsh condemned reports of unarmed civilians being killed during recent unrest and expressed solidarity with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), one of the groups leading protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Walsh also recounted the case of one of his constituents whose relative was allegedly shot by Pakistani security forces during the ongoing protests, saying the incident underscored the need for an independent investigation.

Lawmakers further criticised what they described as the “draconian abuse of law" by Pakistani authorities, warning that continued crackdowns could further inflame tensions in the region.

Growing International Focus

The parliamentary discussion comes as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has witnessed weeks of unrest over allegations of arrests, restrictions on activists and security operations against members of the Joint Awami Action Committee.

The JAAC, which spearheaded mass protests over inflation, electricity tariffs and governance issues last year, has recently accused the Pakistan government and security establishment of abandoning dialogue and opting for force to suppress dissent.

The latest developments have drawn increasing attention from the Kashmiri diaspora in the UK, which has intensified lobbying efforts amid claims of communication blackouts and restrictions on information emerging from the region.

While Pakistan has previously maintained that its actions in the region are aimed at maintaining law and order, the remarks made in the UK Parliament mark one of the strongest public expressions of concern by British lawmakers over the evolving situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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