Members of the United Kingdom’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir have formally raised concerns regarding reports of a communications blackout and escalating tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In a letter addressed to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, parliamentarians urged the British government to seek clarity on the situation and support efforts aimed at promoting peaceful dialogue and de-escalation.
The letter was led by APPG Chair Imran Hussain MP and signed by more than 30 Members of Parliament and peers from across different political parties. The cross-party initiative reflects growing concern within Britain’s political circles regarding developments in AJK and the potential impact on communities both in the region and abroad.
According to the parliamentarians, many British Kashmiris have contacted their elected representatives expressing distress over reported disruptions to internet and mobile phone services in AJK. The inability to communicate with family members has caused significant anxiety among individuals with close personal and family ties to the region.
The APPG highlighted concerns over reports of arrests, restrictions on communication services, and an apparent breakdown in dialogue between authorities and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee. The parliamentarians warned that communication restrictions imposed during politically sensitive periods can increase uncertainty, weaken public confidence, and contribute to further tensions.
The letter emphasized the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and access to communication. The parliamentarians called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further escalation of the situation.
The group also requested that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provide details regarding its assessment of the reported communications disruptions and broader developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, they sought clarification on what measures have been taken to support British nationals and British citizens whose relatives in the region have been affected by the reported restrictions.
Furthermore, the APPG asked what diplomatic representations the UK Government has made, or plans to make, to the Governments of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir regarding the restoration of communication services and the removal of reported restrictions. The parliamentarians also requested information on efforts aimed at encouraging renewed negotiations between the relevant authorities and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee.
In their letter, the parliamentarians stressed that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the British-Kashmiri community, deserve peace, stability, and an opportunity to address their concerns through dialogue rather than confrontation. They underscored the importance of maintaining open communication channels and promoting constructive engagement to resolve disputes peacefully.
Among the signatories were several prominent members of both Houses of Parliament, including Imran Hussain MP, Lord Qurban Hussain, Afzal Khan MP, Yasmin Qureshi MP, Tan Dhesi MP, Naz Shah MP, Debbie Abrahams MP, Jon Trickett MP, and Baroness Christine Blower.
The intervention demonstrates the continued interest of the UK’s sizeable British-Kashmiri community in developments affecting Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It also highlights the increasing role of diaspora concerns in shaping international attention toward regional issues.
As discussions continue, the APPG has urged the UK Government to use all appropriate diplomatic channels to encourage dialogue, support stability, and ensure that the concerns of affected communities are addressed through peaceful and democratic means.
