Several Kashmiri diaspora members in Belgium gathered outside the European Parliament in Brussels to protest against the killings of civilians in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and to highlight alleged abuses by Pakistani authorities. Banners with messages like “Stop human rights violations in PoJK” and “Release detainees, families deserve answers” were displayed during the demonstration.
A protestor at the event criticized Pakistani authorities for the severe abuses in PoK and questioned the global community’s silence on the matter. The protestor called out the European Parliament for not speaking up despite the ongoing violence and urged for attention to the situation.
British Conservative Party leader Bob Blackman condemned the violent actions by Pakistani authorities against protestors in PoK, labeling it as despicable. Blackman highlighted the crackdown on demonstrators seeking basic rights like food, electricity, and healthcare, emphasizing the need for intervention to address the reported casualties and injuries.
Blackman mentioned that a group of 30 members from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir had written to the UK Foreign Secretary, urging for action against Pakistan’s actions in PoK. He called for a government statement on the issue and emphasized the importance of holding Pakistan accountable for its treatment of peaceful protesters.
