UK Parliamentarians Demand Urgent Action on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir's Deepening Crisis

A UK parliamentary group has held an emergency meeting with Amnesty International, sounding the alarm over a severe humanitarian crisis in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) that includes widespread lockdown measures, critical food shortages, and an internet blackout. This urgent discussion on July 2, 2026, highlights mounting international concern over what activists describe as a month-long suppression of basic rights and services in the region, particularly in cities like Rawalakot, Mirpur, and Muzaffarabad. The crisis intensified after weeks of intense protests, spearheaded by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), erupted against escalating inflation, high electricity tariffs, and alleged political marginalisation, with demonstrations now entering their 30th day. These demonstrations have reportedly been met with a violent crackdown by the Pakistan military and administration, leading to mass arbitrary arrests, use of lethal force, and reports of dozens of civilian deaths. India's Ministry of External Affairs has also condemned Pakistan's actions, reiterating its stance that PoK is an integral part of India and calling for international accountability for the alleged human rights abuses. Members of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir are now pressing UK ministers to demand an immediate end to the lockdown, restore essential communication services, and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access for relief agencies and independent observers into the affected areas. The international community is watching closely, with calls for a UN Fact-Finding Mission growing louder to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killings and lift what many term an 'illegal blockade' in PoK. The situation could escalate further, testing diplomatic efforts and potentially leading to broader geopolitical ripples.