UK Parliamentarians raise concerns over AJK communications blackout and escalating tensions

UK Parliamentarians raise concerns over AJK communications blackout and escalating tensions

London, Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir have formally written to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressing deep concern over reports of a communications blackout, escalating tensions and restrictions affecting residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

In a letter APPG Chair Imran Hussain MP, alongside more than 30 MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, urged the UK Government to seek clarification regarding the situation in AJK and to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful dialogue.

The parliamentarians stated that they had been contacted by numerous constituents across the United Kingdom who were unable to communicate with relatives and loved ones in the region due to reported disruptions to internet and mobile phone services. According to the letter, the situation has caused significant anxiety among British Kashmiris, many of whom have close family ties to AJK.

The APPG also raised concerns regarding reports of arrests, restrictions on communications and a breakdown in dialogue between authorities and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee. The parliamentarians warned that restrictions on communications during periods of political tension risk increasing uncertainty, undermining public confidence and exacerbating tensions.

The letter emphasised the importance of protecting the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and access to communications. It called for restraint, meaningful engagement and constructive dialogue between all parties involved in order to prevent further escalation.

The APPG requested that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) clarify what assessment it has made of the reported communications disruptions and wider developments in AJK. It also sought information on steps being taken to support British nationals and British citizens with family members in the region who have been affected by the reported restrictions.

Furthermore, the parliamentarians asked what representations the UK Government has made, or intends to make, to the Governments of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir regarding the restoration of communications and the lifting of reported restrictions. They also requested details of diplomatic efforts aimed at encouraging the resumption of negotiations and dialogue between the relevant authorities and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee.

“The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the many British Kashmiris with deep family and community ties to the region, deserve peace, stability and the opportunity for their concerns to be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation,” the letter stated.

Among the signatories were Imran Hussain MP, Lord Qurban Hussain, Afzal Khan MP, Yasmin Qureshi MP, Tan Dhesi MP, Naz Shah MP, Debbie Abrahams MP, Jon Trickett MP, Baroness Christine Blower and several other members of both Houses of Parliament.

The intervention highlights the growing concern within Britain’s political establishment regarding developments in AJK and reflects the strong interest of the UK’s large British-Kashmiri community in maintaining peace, stability and open communication in the region.

The APPG concluded by urging the UK Government to use all appropriate diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation and support a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation.