Amid a Pakistani crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), British MP Iqbal Mohamed on Sunday expressed “deep” concerns about the violence in the region and a communications blackout.
In a video on X, Iqbal said that constituents had flagged their inability to connect with family members in the region.
“I’m concerned by reports of arrests, including of British nationals, restrictions on communications, and a breakdown in dialogue between the Pakistani authorities and representatives of the Joint Army Action Committee (JAAC) following disputes over a number of long-standing civic, governance, and human rights concerns,” said Iqbal, an Independent MP who is also a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir.
Iqbal’s statement comes as POJK is in the grip of another violent episode, with the government and JAAC locked in a face-off. Last week, POJK declared the JAAC an unlawful organisation under anti-terrorism laws. But the group continued its agitation, with a region-wide strike scheduled for Tuesday.
The group has demanded the abolition of the 12 seats in the region’s legislative assembly reserved for refugees from J&K who settled in mainland Pakistan after 1947. JAAC says these seats are frequently used by Pakistani political parties to influence the formation of governments in POJK.
Iqbal further said: “The right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and access to communications are important principles that help maintain stability and public confidence, particularly at times of heightened tension. So, I urge the Pakistani authorities to restore communications, lift any restrictions and work to resolve the situation through peaceful dialogue, restraint and meaningful engagement with those raising concerns and my constituents impacted by the situation.”
