Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the impact of communications restrictions and internet shutdowns on people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The UK remains concerned by developments in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including reports of loss of life among civilians and security personnel. We recognise the concern caused by continuing communications restrictions, particularly for diaspora communities with family in the region. The safety of British nationals remains our top priority, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice continues to advise against all but essential travel to the region.

I raised our concerns directly with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, on 27 August, including the reported loss of life, arrests and communications restrictions, and their impact on British nationals. The British High Commissioner to Pakistan has also raised our concerns with senior Pakistani counterparts. We continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage all sides to show restraint, uphold human rights and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue.