London, June 7: A group of parliamentarians in the United Kingdom raised concerns over the Pakistan government’s decision to declare a communications blackout in its part of PoK ahead of proposed June 9 wheel-jam strike by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

Addressing a press conference in London, the Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, Imran Hussain, said the APPG has formally written to the British Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, expressing its deep concern over the communications blackout in PoK.
The blackout would have a damaging impact on the people of that region, he said.
“The (recent) brutal action by Pakistani forces like the Rangers of the not only in PoK but in other parts, is condemnable and we protest. Our next plan of action is very much there in the United Kingdom. We have already informed the Foreign Office and, we are engaged with our local MPs, and we will take up this matter in the British Parliament. The local MPs, the Foreign Office, is fully engaged. We have also written to international and other human rights organisations,” Hussain said.
Joined by more than 30 MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, Hussain urged the UK Government to approach the Government of Pakistan and seek clarification on the prevailing situation in PoK and to provide support where needed to facilitate a de-escalation of tensions and promotion of peaceful dialogue.
He urged the UK Government to send representations to Islamabad and PoK capital Muzzafarabad to restore communications and lift the reported restrictions.
Hussain informed that British Kashmiri constituents had informed their local MPs that they were unable to contact or communicate with their relatives and other loved ones in PoK.
In their letter to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the APPG said the prevailing situation in PoK is causing significant anxiety among British Kashmiris.
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 such restrictions create uncertainty, undermine public confidence and exacerbate tensions.
Through the APPG letter, Hussain, MPs and other peers, emphasised the importance of protecting the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and access to communications. They appealed for restraint, meaningful engagement and constructive dialogue between all stakeholders to prevent further escalation.
“People of PoK, 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 said.
“We stand with the people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, and support the charter of demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee,” Hussain said.
“We the Diaspora Kashmiris stand loud and proud with you. We will be your voice. You carry on your peaceful protest under the banner of the Joint Awami Action Committee,” he added
The intervention highlighted the British political establishment growing concern over developments in PoK.
Apart from Imran Hussain, the other MPs who signed the letter were Lord Qurban Hussain, Afzal Khan, Yasmin Qureshi, Tan Dhesi, Naz Shah, Debbie Abrahams, Jon Trickett and Baroness Christine Blower, besides several others.