Raise Human Rights Issues in Azad Kashmir with the Government of Pakistan

We urge the UK Government to raise human rights concerns and communication restrictions in Azad Kashmir with the Government of Pakistan.

Reports state that residents of Azad Kashmir have faced restrictions affecting communication services, impacting contact with families, including overseas Kashmiris. Access to communication and information is important for education, livelihoods, community engagement and the ability to raise concerns peacefully. We call on the UK Government to raise these concerns with the Government of Pakistan and advocate for the protection of human rights, freedom of expression and access to communication services.

The UK Government recognises the strength of feeling among communities in the UK and overseas about recent developments in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known locally as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. We are concerned by reports of unrest, including loss of life among civilians and security personnel, and by reports of restrictions affecting communications services. We understand that such restrictions can be particularly distressing for those seeking to contact family and friends in the region, including members of the British Kashmiri diaspora.

The safety and welfare of British nationals is a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. In light of developments on the ground, the FCDO updated its travel advice on 6 June and currently advises against all but essential travel to Pakistan-administered Kashmir. We continue to keep our travel advice under close review and encourage British nationals to follow the latest guidance.

Following correspondence from Members of Parliament and engagement with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Kashmir, the Minister for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hamish Falconer MP, travelled to Islamabad on 15 and 16 June. During that visit, he discussed the situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir with Pakistani counterparts and expressed concern about the impact on British nationals in the region. The Minister and FCDO officials remain in contact with Pakistani counterparts, and we continue to monitor the situation closely.

The UK Government is clear that individuals’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression, including peaceful protest, should be respected. Access to communication and information is important for families, education, livelihoods, community engagement and the ability to raise concerns peacefully. We encourage all states to ensure that domestic laws and practices are consistent with international human rights standards. Any allegations of human rights violations or abuses should be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently.

While the situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir is a matter for the relevant authorities, the UK supports a peaceful resolution and effective engagement with affected communities to prevent further loss of life and reduce tensions. We will continue to raise human rights concerns, including freedom of expression and communications restrictions, where appropriate with the Government of Pakistan.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office