British lawmakers have called for an independent investigation into alleged human rights abuses by Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following a deadly crackdown on protesters….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Several British parliamentarians have called for an independent investigation into alleged human rights abuses by Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), following reports that more than 40 civilians were killed and dozens injured during a crackdown on protesters.
British Labour MP Liam Byrne described reports of live ammunition being used against peaceful demonstrators as “deeply alarming” and condemned the communications blackout imposed in the region.
Calling the reported human rights violations “completely unacceptable”, Byrne said the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir (APPG), a cross-party group in the UK Parliament, had made two immediate demands.
“One, urgent talks with the High Commission of Pakistan here in London to say this has got to stop. But second, we’re demanding to see our Foreign Office ministers too, to ensure that they are making representations at the highest level to the government of Pakistan. Ultimately, what is needed here is to honour the long-term commitments made in UN resolutions all those years ago. But in the here and now, we need the violence to stop,” Byrne said.
“We need immediate de-escalation. We need calm heads. And crucially, we need the human rights of Kashmiris to be observed now,” he added.
Another British MP, Adnan Hussain, described the reported deaths of civilians in PoK as a “tragedy” and called for any alleged use of excessive or unlawful force by Pakistani authorities to be investigated independently.
“I urge all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilian life and engage in peaceful dialogue. Lasting solutions can only be achieved through calm, constructive engagement rather than further violence or escalation. My thoughts are with all those affected, particularly constituents with family and loved ones in the region,” Hussain said.
The calls from British lawmakers came amid mounting international concern over reports of violence and restrictions in the region.
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard said the reports emerging from Rawalakot reflected what she described as Pakistan’s long-standing pattern of “unlawful violence” against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
She urged Pakistani authorities to lift the communications blackout following reports that security forces had used lethal force against demonstrators during the so-called legislative Assembly elections in PoK. Callamard also called on the authorities to allow journalists and independent observers access to the region.
“A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces’ use of force against protesters. So long as an internet and mobile services blackout remains in place, it will severely impede the independent verification of the full extent of the situation on the ground,” Callamard said in a post on X.
The demands for an independent inquiry and greater transparency add to growing international scrutiny of the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with lawmakers and rights groups urging Pakistani authorities to protect civilian lives, restore communication services and ensure accountability for any alleged violations.
The British parliamentarians also stressed the need for dialogue and restraint to prevent further escalation, while reiterating calls for respect for the rights of civilians and adherence to international commitments.
