British Kashmiri community protests Pakistan's crackdown in occupied Kashmir

A protest organized by the British Kashmiri diaspora took place in Bradford city centre, expressing solidarity with residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir amid a heightened security crackdown by Pakistani authorities. The demonstration coincided with the region's contested assembly elections, which organizers described as marred by low turnout and irregularities. Participants highlighted reports of civilian fatalities, house raids and the impact on vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly over the past two months.

They demanded impartial inquiries, accountability for excessive force, and the protection of fundamental rights and human dignity. The crowd called on the United Kingdom, human-rights organisations and the broader international community to closely watch the developments and back efforts toward a peaceful, rights-based solution. India’s foreign ministry also condemned the Pakistani actions, labeling the local elections a "complete farce" and citing widespread violence and intimidation.