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Expressing concern over reports of shortages of essential commodities and medical supplies, the lawmakers demanded unrestricted humanitarian access for relief agencies
Britain’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir holding an emergency meeting with Amnesty International.
The political unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has drawn international attention, with Britain’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir holding an emergency meeting with Amnesty International to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region.
The meeting comes as protests against the Pakistani military and administration entered their 30th day, with demonstrations continuing across Rawalakot, Mirpur and Muzaffarabad amid an ongoing shutdown.
Following the discussions, members of the APPG urged the UK government to press Pakistan to immediately lift the lockdown in PoK and ensure the uninterrupted movement of food, medicines and other essential supplies into affected areas.
The parliamentary group also called for the immediate restoration of communication services, saying prolonged restrictions were hampering access to emergency services and isolating residents from the outside world.
Expressing concern over reports of shortages of essential commodities and medical supplies, the lawmakers demanded unrestricted humanitarian access for relief agencies, human rights organisations and independent observers to assess the situation on the ground.
The APPG further urged all stakeholders to resume dialogue aimed at finding a peaceful resolution, stressing that any future talks should place the rights and aspirations of the people of Kashmir at the centre of the process.
The intervention comes against the backdrop of sustained protests in several parts of PoK, where demonstrators have accused Pakistani authorities of repression and excessive use of force. Demonstrations and shutdowns have continued in Rawalakot, Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, with protesters demanding restoration of civil liberties and an end to what they describe as military excesses.
The latest developments add to growing international scrutiny of the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with rights groups and political observers closely monitoring the humanitarian impact of the prolonged restrictions and continuing unrest.
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Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
London, United Kingdom (UK)
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