Imran Hussain calls on UK ministers to press Islamabad over human rights concerns, communications restrictions, and supply disruptions during Ishaq Dar’s visit.
LONDON — British Member of Parliament and All-Party Parliamentary Group for Kashmir Chairman Imran Hussain has urged UK ministers to directly raise the situation in Kashmir with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, during his official visit to the United Kingdom.
Hussain emphasized that the concerns of the UK’s sizable Kashmiri diaspora should be prioritized in diplomatic discussions with Pakistani authorities. He pointed to ongoing reports concerning human rights conditions, arbitrary detentions, communications restrictions, and disruptions in the supply of essential food and medical goods.
The British lawmaker called on the UK government to utilize appropriate diplomatic channels to advocate for the easing of tensions, restoration of communication systems, ensured access to essential commodities and medical supplies, and the resumption of peaceful dialogue.
Hussain maintained that any sustainable and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir question must place human rights at the center of the process, urging London to deploy its diplomatic influence toward constructive engagement.
The appeal comes during Ishaq Dar’s official visit to the UK from August 24 to 28, which included scheduled meetings with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Minister of State Stephen Doughty, and other officials.
Separately, Pakistan's Foreign Office stated that Dar met with British-Pakistani parliamentarians to discuss recent developments regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Foreign Office, the Pakistani government and local authorities in the region are engaging with various political parties and stakeholders to build consensus on governance and administrative matters.