Kashmiri Diaspora Protests Outside Pakistan Consulate in Bradford Over Violence in PoJK

The Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom has staged a protest outside the Pakistan Consulate in Bradford in solidarity with people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), amid concerns over reported violence, civilian casualties and restrictions affecting daily life. The sit-in, held in support of the Public Action Committee and local residents, focused on demands for fundamental rights, justice, dignity and democratic freedoms. Protesters said that the use of force against civilians, prolonged security restrictions and disruptions to essential supplies have added to the hardships faced by the population.

Demonstrators also called for the protection of women, children and other civilians and urged authorities to ease restrictions that they said were affecting access to food, medicines and other essential items. Speaking during the protest outside the Pakistan Consulate on August 13, British Kashmiri diaspora member Zia Ahmed said the political, democratic and human rights of the people of PoJK should be respected. He expressed concern over reports of civilian deaths, the continued restrictions and alleged interruptions in the supply of essential commodities.

Ahmed appealed to the international community and the United Nations to take note of the situation and work towards protecting the rights of the Kashmiri people. He stressed that grievances should be addressed through dialogue and a peaceful political process rather than through force. The Bradford demonstration comes amid continuing concerns raised by Kashmiri groups and diaspora organisations over developments in PoJK. Protesters said civilian safety and access to basic services should remain priorities while political disputes are addressed through peaceful and democratic means.