Pakistani Diplomat's Address Disrupted At Bradford Literature Festival Amid PoK Protest

Last Updated:July 05, 2026, 14:17 IST

The protest took place during a global Mushaira gathering, where Mahmood Kashmiri staged a walkout and raised slogans accusing Pakistani authorities of imposing a "siege" in PoK

A protest broke out during a session at the Bradford Literature Festival after a Kashmiri activist interrupted the address of a Pakistani diplomat, alleging military excesses and an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The protest took place during a global Mushaira gathering, where activist Mahmood Kashmiri staged a walkout and raised slogans accusing Pakistani authorities of imposing a “siege" in PoK.

The activist alleged that residents of the region were facing restrictions and accused security forces of carrying out atrocities.

During the protest, Mahmood Kashmiri called on the Pakistani government to withdraw its security forces from the region, alleging that military deployments had intensified tensions in PoK.

The activist also claimed that restrictions had affected the supply of essential commodities, including food and medicines, and urged the international community to take note of the situation. These allegations could not be independently verified by CNN-News18.

The brief disruption drew attention from attendees before the event resumed. Organisers did not immediately comment on the protest.

The incident comes amid ongoing demonstrations by sections of the Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom, with protest groups alleging rights violations and calling for greater international attention to developments in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The PoK protest

Large-scale protests and sit-ins have gripped major urban hubs like Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Mirpur. Over 80,000 demonstrators have gathered at the Eidgah Ground in Rawalakot alone.

The Pakistani establishment has deployed paramilitary forces, enforced communication and internet blackouts, and allegedly blocked essential food and medicine supply routes into the region.

Heavy clashes have broken out following a brutal state crackdown. Security forces have been accused of opening fire on peaceful protesters, leading to high casualties and hundreds of arrests, including senior trade union leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir. Prominent JAAC leaders, including Sardar Aman Khan, have publicly declared that “PoK is not part of Pakistan". Movement leaders have warned that if the state blockades continue, they will actively seek support and closer ties with India.

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Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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