Bradford Kashmiri diaspora stages protest at Pakistan consulate over PoJK crackdown

On September 10, a group of Kashmiri activists gathered outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford to denounce what they described as a harsh crackdown in Pakistan‑occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The demonstration was led by Mahmood Kashmiri, chair of the Jammu and Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA), alongside other community leaders.

Protesters held placards and chanted slogans calling for an immediate halt to alleged human‑rights abuses in the region. They urged the Pakistani government to respect the rights of Kashmiri civilians and to engage in a transparent dialogue rather than resorting to force.

The rally reflects growing unease among the South‑Asian diaspora in the United Kingdom, where many families maintain close ties to the subcontinent. For the Kashmiri community, the issue is not only political but also personal, as relatives in the contested area face uncertainty and hardship.

By bringing the matter to the doorstep of the consulate, the demonstrators aim to raise awareness among British officials and the wider public, hoping to influence diplomatic conversations and encourage a more humane approach to the PoJK situation.