Islamabad rejects criticism over unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Pakistan on Monday rejected criticism from UK-based diaspora members and British lawmakers over deadly clashes between police and supporters of a banned political group in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The Foreign Office described the remarks as "irresponsible" and "ill-informed" and called on critics to avoid interference in Pakistan's internal affairs.

Why are people protesting in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?

The unrest centers on the Joint Awami Action Committee, a regional pressure group demanding economic and governance reforms, including the abolition of reserved migrant seats and subsidies on basic goods such as wheat flour and electricity.

Authorities designated the JAAC a terrorist organization under anti-terrorism laws ahead of its planned June 9 rally and carried out mass arrests. The group rejected the designation, calling it politically motivated.

What happened during the JAAC protest in Azad Kashmir?

Multiple people were killed and dozens injured as violence erupted around the planned demonstration. Authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir moved to suppress the rally, making arrests and imposing the terrorism designation on the JAAC ahead of the march. The group has refused to back down, insisting its campaign is focused on legitimate civic demands.

The unrest drew scrutiny internationally, particularly from UK-based Pakistanis and members of the British Parliament. Pakistan's Foreign Office issued a formal response, saying it had taken note of recent comments and urged critics to refrain from interfering in the country's domestic affairs. It also called on diaspora members to focus on contributing positively to their countries of residence.

What did Pakistan's Foreign Office say about British criticism?

The ministry said remarks made in the British Parliament reflected a lack of understanding of the historical and legal context of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. "Pakistan is a sovereign and democratic republic that firmly believes in non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and expects the same from others," the statement said. It added that both Pakistan and the authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir guarantee constitutional protections, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The Foreign Office also urged the British government to caution individuals it said were linked to proscribed organizations and to encourage respect for legal frameworks and democratic institutions. At the same time, it stressed that violence, vandalism, destruction of public property, including health facilities, and attacks on civilians or law enforcement could not be justified under any circumstances. The statement was issued from Islamabad on June 8, 2026.