Jammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political Situation

Baroness Gohir Excerpts

Thursday 23rd July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

We welcome the recent reports that dialogue is ongoing between the affected parties to find a resolution. It is good news. I reassure the noble Lord that, during Minister Falconer’s visit to Islamabad in June, he discussed the situation with his Pakistani counterparts, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi; and that we continue to monitor the situation and the impact on British nationals.

[Baroness Gohir (CB)]

My Lords, the regional elections will take place in Kashmir on 27 July; some will take place in August. What is the Government’s assessment of how free and fair these elections will be? Will they be monitoring them? I should declare that I run a Muslim charity; I did not declare this on the first Question when I asked about Muslim charities.

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I reassure the noble Baroness that we regularly raise human rights concerns with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels. Promoting human rights is a core part of the United Kingdom’s diplomatic engagement and programmes in Pakistan. We regularly raise our concerns with its Government at a senior level—I mentioned Minister Falconer’s visit in June. I reassure the noble Baroness that we maintain regular contact and that we are concerned. We want to ensure a peaceful resolution and dialogue, and we certainly support all efforts to maintain democratic accountability.