Over 70 British MPs Urge UN To Act On PoK Crisis, Call For Immediate Attention

More than 70 British parliamentarians have urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to take stronger diplomatic action over the reported deterioration of the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In a letter dated August 21, Imran Hussain, Labour MP for Bradford East and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, along with other lawmakers, expressed concern over what they described as an escalation of tensions in the region.

The MPs cited reports of deaths and injuries, communication restrictions, arrests, disruption of essential supplies and limitations on peaceful political and civic activity. They also raised concerns voiced by members of the British Kashmiri community about the safety of their relatives in the region.

MPs Call For Immediate De-escalation

The parliamentarians have asked the United Nations and its relevant bodies to support measures aimed at stopping further violence and protecting civilians. Their demands include restoring communications, ensuring the movement of food, medicines and other essential supplies, and preventing restrictions on humanitarian access.

The MPs have also called for an end to arbitrary arrests, urging that detainees be provided due process and access to legal representation. They further sought appropriate access for independent human rights observers and others who could contribute to peaceful mediation.

The letter also calls for the immediate resumption of dialogue and “full and impartial accountability” for deaths, injuries and any alleged excessive use of force.

MPs Welcome Recent UN Statements

The lawmakers welcomed recent comments from UN officials regarding developments in PoK.

They referred to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s appeal for calm, inclusive political dialogue, full internet access and respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. They also highlighted his call for prompt and impartial investigations into deaths connected with the unrest.

The MPs cited a subsequent statement from the UN Secretary-General’s deputy spokesperson that those responsible should be held accountable when people are harmed while participating in peaceful protests.

However, they argued that statements alone would not be sufficient and called for sustained international engagement to support de-escalation, accountability and dialogue.

Call For Dialogue And Humanitarian Access

The parliamentarians urged the UN to use its diplomatic channels to help reduce tensions and facilitate negotiations.

“Human rights can never be disputed or compromised. Lasting stability cannot be achieved through restrictions or confrontation,” the letter states.

The lawmakers argued that any sustainable settlement must involve meaningful dialogue in which the rights and concerns of Kashmiris are recognised.

They also stressed the importance of protecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation as part of efforts to restore stability.

Letter Links Crisis To Wider Kashmir Dispute

The MPs also placed the reported unrest in PoK within the broader context of the Kashmir dispute.

They referred to the UN’s historical involvement in the issue, including Security Council Resolution 47 and subsequent resolutions, and asked Guterres to outline what further steps could be taken by the Security Council and the wider UN system.

The lawmakers called for renewed international efforts towards what they described as a peaceful and lasting resolution in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

“The people of Kashmir deserve peace, dignity, fundamental rights and a future free from recurring instability,” the letter states.

The MPs have urged the UN to build on its recent interventions and use available diplomatic mechanisms to promote immediate de-escalation, meaningful dialogue and a peaceful resolution, while keeping human rights at the centre of its efforts.