British Conservative MP Bob Blackman has urged the UK government to take a tougher stance against Pakistan over the reported killing of peaceful protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK)…reports Asian Lite News Desk
British Conservative MP Bob Blackman has called on the UK government to take a tougher stance against Pakistan over the reported killing of peaceful protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), urging London to hold Islamabad accountable for alleged human rights violations.
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Blackman alleged that Pakistani security forces had opened fire on peaceful demonstrators who were protesting for basic rights, including access to food and security.
He claimed that more than 30 people were killed and over 200 others injured during the reported crackdown, including British nationals.
Questioning the UK’s response, Blackman asked whether updating travel advice alone was sufficient and urged the government to summon Pakistan’s High Commissioner to explain the reported use of force against civilians.
“In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Pakistani security forces have fired on peaceful demonstrators standing for human rights and for the rights to food and for proper security in their area. More than 30 people were killed and more than 200 injured, including British nationals. So what action has the Secretary of State taken to actually call in the Pakistani High Commissioner and say, not only is this unacceptable, what action is being taken to protect innocent bystanders?” Blackman said.
Responding on behalf of the UK government, a minister acknowledged concerns over developments in PoJK and expressed regret over the reported loss of life involving both civilians and security personnel.
However, the minister described the situation as an internal matter for the Pakistani authorities.
The government also noted that on June 6 it had updated its travel advisory, advising against all but essential travel to PoJK because of the prevailing security situation.
The minister said British authorities were closely monitoring developments, including any impact on British nationals, and remained engaged with the Government of Pakistan where appropriate.
Meanwhile, human rights organisation Amnesty International criticised what it described as Pakistan’s heavy-handed measures ahead of regional elections in PoJK.
The organisation accused Pakistani authorities of using force to suppress peaceful political dissent and criticised the decision to designate the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a “proscribed organisation.”
Amnesty described the move as a disproportionate restriction on freedom of association and peaceful political activity, while urging respect for fundamental rights.
The organisation also called attention to the broader human rights situation in the region as political tensions continue ahead of the regional polls.
The developments have prompted renewed calls from activists and rights groups for greater international scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions in PoJK and for accountability over the reported crackdown on protesters.
