Prolonged security crackdown allegations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) took centre stage in the UK Parliament this week as lawmakers of all parties voiced concern over allegations of human rights violations, restrictions on civilians and the alleged targeting of families related to the UK.
The parliamentary discussion was chaired by UK MP Imran Hussain and a number of parliamentarians told The Telegraph that the UK needed to be on top of the situation and to speak to Pakistan. The issue of PoK has consequences for thousands of British citizens on the ground and in the family life of British citizens in the area, they said.
Calls to Hold Pakistan Accountable.
Several parliamentarians in the debate called for greater international scrutiny of Pakistan and Pakistan’s actions on PoK in the debate.
"Pakistan must be held accountable for atrocities in PoK," several of the parliamentarians said, noting allegations of excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions and restrictions on civilians.
Jeremy Corbyn, the British MP for Salisbury, described reports of shortages of essential supplies, detentions and a worsening humanitarian situation from the region as “terrible.” He called on the international community to not lose sight of developments in the region and to be more transparent and to respect fundamental rights.
Concerns Over British Families
British MP Tahir Ali said that Pakistani security agencies had targeted the families of British citizens living in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Ali said the behaviour of the relatives of UK residents is a matter of grave concern for civil liberties and international legal standards.
Lawmakers also criticized reports that members of the British Kashmiri diaspora had been labeled as “terrorists” for speaking about the situation in PoK. Several MPs said such accusations were aimed at trying to put pressure on critics outside Pakistan.
Demand for Independent Investigation
Paul Walsh, the British MP of Coventry, condemned reports of unarmed civilians allegedly being killed during recent unrest and supported the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been one of the most prominent protest groups in PoK.
Walsh also mentioned the case of one of his constituents whose relative was allegedly shot during protests by Pakistani security personnel, and said the incident was an indication of the need for a more independent investigation.
Some lawmakers also criticised what they said was a “draconian” use of legal measures by Pakistani authorities, warning that further crackdowns could deepen unrest in the region, they observed.
Growing International Attention
The debate comes after weeks of unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where protests have erupted in which charges of arrests, restrictions on activists as well as security operations are still taking place against members of the Joint Awami Action Committee.
The JAAC, which has earlier led large demonstrations over inflation, electricity tariffs and governance issues, has accused the Pakistani government and security establishment of abandoning dialogue in favour of force.
The issue has also been propelled by the British Kashmiri diaspora which has intensified lobbying in the UK in response to communication blackouts and restrictions that have made it difficult for families abroad to contact relatives in PoK.
Pakistan has said its actions in the area are meant to maintain order. But the debate in the UK Parliament was one of the strongest public expressions by British lawmakers of concern for the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
