Jammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political Situation

Lord Mohammed of Tinsley Excerpts

Thursday 23rd July 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Mohammed of Tinsley]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the human rights and political situation in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir; and what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan regarding recent restrictions on civil liberties and protests.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office, and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Lord Collins of Highbury) (Lab)]

My Lords, the United Kingdom monitors developments in Pakistan-administered Kashmir closely. We are concerned by reports of unrest, loss of life and injuries. We support freedom of assembly and expression and encourage peaceful dialogue. We understand that restrictions on communications have been especially concerning for British nationals and members of the diaspora who are seeking contact with friends and family. The United Kingdom currently advises against all but essential travel to the area.

[Lord Mohammed of Tinsley (LD)]

I thank the Minister for his Answer and welcome the efforts to mediate. A number of individuals have tried to mediate between the action committee and the Governments of Kashmir and Pakistan, including the chair of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, Syed Qamar Raza. There has not yet been a resolution. As the Minister points out, the guidance from the Foreign Office is against non-essential travel, but I can tell him from my personal experience that a lot of people, probably in the thousands, will be travelling over the summer holiday period to visit family and friends. Will the Minister continue to lobby the Government of Pakistan to at least open internet access so that loved ones can maintain contact with each other—and, if possible, to lift some of the blockades in terms of lockdowns and the closure of shops and other essential facilities?

[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.