Several British parliamentarians have formally condemned what they described as the 'excessive or unlawful' use of force against 'peaceful protesters and civil society representatives' in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), raising the matter through a motion tabled in the UK Parliament on 11 June. The motion follows deadly clashes in Rawalakot city in which several people were reportedly killed and hundreds injured during confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators.

What the Parliamentary Motion Demands

The signatories called for the immediate restoration of communications, the lifting of all lockdown restrictions, and safe medical access for injured persons. They further demanded the release or prompt production before court of all detainees and urged the government of Pakistan to resume dialogue with peaceful protesters and civil society groups.

The motion explicitly stated that 'peaceful advocacy for constitutional reform, democratic equality, accountable governance, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly should not be criminalised.' The parliamentarians also urged the UK government to deploy all appropriate diplomatic channels to facilitate de-escalation and a peaceful resolution that upholds human rights in the region.

Concerns Over British Nationals and British Kashmiris

A key driver of the parliamentary intervention has been the distress among British Kashmiris and other UK residents who have been unable to reach relatives in PoK, including British citizens reportedly present in the region. In a separate letter addressed to UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper, lawmakers wrote: 'We have been contacted by numerous constituents from across the United Kingdom who report being unable to contact relatives and loved ones in the region. This has caused significant anxiety and distress amongst British Kashmiris, many of whom are understandably concerned about the welfare and safety of their families.'

The letter also flagged reports of arrests involving British nationals and called on the government to enhance consular support for those affected.

Background: JAAC Proscription and the June 9 Protests

The unrest in PoK intensified after Pakistani authorities in the occupied territory designated the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws, days before its planned protest on 9 June. The JAAC had been mobilising residents around demands for constitutional reform and greater democratic rights. Critics argue the proscription was a deliberate move to suppress legitimate civic dissent ahead of a scheduled demonstration.

Notably, this is not the first time the JAAC has led mass mobilisation in PoK — the committee had previously organised large-scale protests over subsidies and governance, drawing significant public participation and drawing attention to the region's political marginalisation.

Reported Clashes and Conditions on the Ground

According to reports, clashes between law enforcement and protesters in Rawalakot have resulted in several fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Parliamentarians flagged communications blackouts and lockdown measures that have severely restricted the flow of information out of the region. They also raised concerns about the denial of due process for detainees and obstacles to safe medical access for the injured.

What Happens Next

The UK parliamentarians have urged Yvette Cooper and the broader government to engage urgently and prevent further escalation. With British nationals reportedly among those affected, there is growing pressure on London to take a more assertive diplomatic stance. Whether Pakistan responds to international calls for dialogue and de-escalation remains to be seen, but the parliamentary motion marks a significant formal escalation of concern at the highest levels of British political life.