The UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has issued a stark warning that the long-standing Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan could lead to a nuclear conflict if not addressed urgently. In its 42-page report, the committee called for renewed diplomatic engagement and stressed the need to prevent further escalation in the region.
The report strongly criticized India’s 2019 revocation of Article 370, which removed Kashmir’s special status, triggering unrest. It highlighted military buildup, media restrictions, arbitrary arrests, and shrinking civil liberties in Indian-administered Kashmir, calling the human rights situation deeply concerning.
While also reviewing Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the committee noted that though issues exist, the situation is not as severe as in Indian-administered Kashmir. Concerns over limited democratic representation and governance gaps were still flagged.
UK lawmakers urged the government to adopt a balanced and principled approach, ensuring equal relations with both India and Pakistan. They also pushed for access for international observers, and emphasized the importance of engaging with the British Kashmiri diaspora to support peace efforts.
The report accused India of ignoring UN resolutions and criticized the international community’s silence, especially that of the US and UK, over rising tensions. It praised Pakistan’s measured and legal response in recent standoffs. A formal UK government response is expected soon.