London, (Shahzad Ali) __ The Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom has expressed its appreciation for the timely intervention of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, under the leadership of Chair MP Imran Hussain, supported by over 30 esteemed Members of Parliament and Lords. This initiative addresses the concerning situation unfolding in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Since September 29, protests in AJK have led to a severe communications blackout imposed by authorities, resulting in the suspension of vital mobile and internet services. This has considerably hindered the ability of many British Kashmiris to connect with their loved ones in the region, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and distress within the diaspora community.

In response to these developments, MP Imran Hussain, in his capacity as Chair of the APPG on Kashmir, has taken the lead in coordinating a joint letter directed to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The letter seeks an urgent lifting of the communications blackout and advocates for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the unrest in AJK. MP Hussain highlighted this initiative on social media platforms, noting, “As Chair of the APPG on Kashmir, I have coordinated a joint letter to the FCDO with over 30 MPs and Lords regarding the escalating situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.”

Prominent academic Professor Raja Zafar Khan remarked that the diaspora perceives this action as a meaningful representation of the community’s concerns. He emphasized the importance of the British Government taking cognizance of the parliamentary appeal and undertaking necessary measures to address the humanitarian challenges faced in AJK.

The letter has garnered support from a diverse coalition of UK parliamentarians across party lines, including notable figures such as Lord Qurban Hussain, Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott MP, Debbie Abrahams MP, Naz Shah MP, Mohammad Yasin MP, Ayub Khan MP, Tahir Ali MP, Nadia Whittome MP, John McDonnell MP, Oliver Ryan MP, Ibtisam Mohammed MP, Rosena Allin-Khan MP, Lord John Hendy, Apsana Begum MP, Yasmin Qureshi MP, among others.

Professor Zafar Khan underscored that the backing shown by British parliamentarians underscores the urgent need to uphold human rights in AJK, restore essential communication services, and ensure that dialogue and peaceful negotiation remain central to efforts aimed at resolving this critical situation.