London, Oct 26: The Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom has voiced strong criticism of Pakistan’s governance in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), accusing Islamabad of corruption, oppression, and cultural erasure. Many described Pakistan as a “sinking Titanic” that Kashmiris no longer wish to be part of.
According to a report by Asian Lite, growing discontent among the Kashmiri community has sparked calls for greater autonomy and even the formation of a government-in-exile to represent the people of PoK. The report highlighted that many Kashmiris feel their ethnic and cultural identities are incompatible with Pakistan’s rigid Islamic ideology.
Recently, British Kashmiris staged a hunger strike outside the Pakistan High Commission in London to protest human rights violations in PoK. The demonstration followed reports of violent crackdowns by Pakistani security forces on local protesters demanding basic rights.
London-based journalist Abdul Rehman Khan said that members of the Pakistani diaspora from PoK have been staging demonstrations in the UK, blocking diplomats’ vehicles, and condemning internet censorship and repression in the region. “Kashmiris! You are not alone; this atrocity must be taken into account,” Khan wrote in a Facebook post.
Jamil Maqsood, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), said corruption and nepotism are rampant in PoK. “Pakistan is sinking the Titanic, and we are not ready to ride on it,” he remarked, accusing Islamabad of eroding Kashmir’s identity and stoking militancy.
UK-based activist Dr. Yasin Rehman alleged that Pakistan’s leaders have looted PoK’s resources for decades, while human rights campaigner Reiss Haidar said that residents “want to break free from Pakistan’s control.”
Scotland-based activist Amjad Ayub Mirza announced plans to form a government-in-exile, claiming support from hundreds of women, youth, and diaspora political groups worldwide.
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