70+ UK MPs Raise Concerns Over PoK Situation, Press UN For Urgent Action

More than 70 British MPs have called on UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intensify international efforts to address.

The reported unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), urging immediate steps to halt violence, restore communications and ensure humanitarian access. The appeal came in a letter dated August 21, led by Labour MP Imran Hussain, who represents Bradford East and chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir. The lawmakers said they were deeply concerned about what they described as a worsening situation in the region.

The letter refers to reports of deaths and injuries, communication restrictions, arrests, disruption to essential supplies and restrictions on peaceful political activity. The MPs also said British Kashmiris had raised concerns about the safety of family members in the region.

UK MPs Seek Immediate Measures

The parliamentarians have asked the UN to support efforts to stop further violence and protect civilians. Among their demands are the restoration of communications, unrestricted access for food and medicines, and protection of humanitarian supplies.

They have also called for an end to arbitrary arrests and urged authorities to ensure that detainees receive due process and access to legal representation. The MPs want independent human rights observers to be allowed appropriate access to the region and have called for support for peaceful mediation and dialogue.

They have further demanded impartial investigations into deaths, injuries and any alleged excessive use of force.

• MPs Point To Recent UN Statements
• The letter welcomed recent UN interventions concerning the situation in PoK.

The lawmakers cited UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s call for calm, inclusive political dialogue, internet access, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. They also referred to his demand for prompt and impartial investigations into deaths linked to the unrest.

The MPs also noted comments from the UN Secretary-General’s deputy spokesperson stressing that those responsible should be held accountable where people have been harmed while participating in peaceful protests.

However, the lawmakers argued that such statements needed to be followed by sustained international engagement.

Call For Political Dialogue

The MPs urged the UN to use its diplomatic mechanisms to help reduce tensions and facilitate dialogue. “Human rights can never be disputed or compromised. Lasting stability cannot be achieved through restrictions or confrontation,” the letter states.

They said lasting stability would require meaningful dialogue that addresses the rights and legitimate concerns of the people of Kashmir. The parliamentarians also stressed that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation should be protected alongside efforts to restore order.

Wider Kashmir Issue Raised

The letter also connects the reported unrest in PoK with the broader Kashmir dispute.

The MPs referred to the UN’s longstanding involvement in Kashmir, including Security Council Resolution 47 and subsequent resolutions. They asked Guterres to consider what additional steps the Security Council and the wider UN system could take to encourage de-escalation and dialogue.

The lawmakers called for renewed efforts towards a peaceful and lasting resolution based on international law and relevant UN resolutions. “The people of Kashmir deserve peace, dignity, fundamental rights and a future free from recurring instability,” the letter said.

The MPs have urged the UN to build on its recent interventions and use available diplomatic channels to promote de-escalation, humanitarian access and meaningful dialogue.