London, July 6: A significant protest took place outside the Pakistan High Commission in London on Monday, organized by members of the Kashmiri community residing in the United Kingdom. Demonstrators criticized the actions of Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and demanded the restoration of human rights in the region.
The protest comes amid ongoing reports of rising tensions in PoK, with claims of numerous civilian casualties and injuries due to security forces’ actions. Reports also indicate a curfew, strict restrictions, and shutdown of communication services in the area.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) stated on the social media platform X that a large number of people participated in the protest to voice support for the committee and oppose the alleged violence against innocent Kashmiris. The committee emphasized that the demonstration sends a message to those attempting to suppress the people’s movement through force.
The committee remarked, “Kashmiris living in the UK stand firmly with their Kashmiri brothers and will continue to support them.”
Additionally, the UK unit of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party also posted on X, stating that a significant number of expatriate Kashmiris marched against the alleged actions of state forces in PoK and demanded the restoration of human rights. The party accused that several protesters have been killed, hundreds injured, and many arrested, including prominent movement leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir.
Meanwhile, British MP Imran Hussain urged the Prime Minister of Pakistan to immediately lift the lockdown in PoK, restore communication services, and initiate peaceful dialogue. He stated, “Respect for the human rights of Kashmiris should be the top priority in this entire process.”
In a message shared on X, Imran Hussain mentioned, “Hundreds of people in my constituency have expressed concern over the situation in PoK. I have written to the UK Foreign Secretary to raise this issue and requested an urgent meeting with Foreign Office ministers. I have also introduced an Early Day Motion in the British Parliament on this subject, which is receiving support from various MPs.”
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.