Representatives of the Belgian Kashmiri community, including all major political and social organisations of the Kashmiri diaspora, are convening today at the Press Club Brussels Europe to brief the media on the rapidly deteriorating situation in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).
Key Concerns
Recent reports, including international media coverage, indicate:
- A complete shutdown of internet and communication services across AJK.
- The banning of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a broad-based peaceful civil rights movement advocating socio-economic rights.
- Increasing reports of violence by Pakistani security forces and AJK police against unarmed demonstrators.
These developments have caused significant distress among Kashmiri families in Belgium, many of whom have been unable to contact relatives in the region. Community leaders warn that the situation risks escalating tensions in a territory governed under a framework shaped by UN Security Council resolutions and internationally recognised human rights principles.
Position of the Belgian Kashmiri Community
At today’s briefing, the community:
- Expresses full support for the peaceful and non‑violent civil rights movement in AJK, led by JAAC.
- Condemns the use of violence by Pakistani security forces and police against peaceful protesters.
- Calls for the immediate restoration of internet and communication services to ensure transparency and reconnect families.
- Urges the Government of Pakistan to resume dialogue with JAAC, including implementation of the 04 October 2025 agreement.
- Demands the release of all detainees arrested during peaceful demonstrations.
Appeal to European and International Actors
The Belgian Kashmiri community calls on:
- European institutions
- International human rights organisations, and
- Civil society partners
to play an active role in de-escalation, protection of fundamental rights, and the revival of a structured, rights‑based dialogue aimed at a peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues in AJK.
We stand firmly for peace, justice, and democratic rights. The people of AJK have chosen a peaceful, non‑violent path to demand their basic rights. The violence used against them is unacceptable. We urge European institutions and human rights organisations to intervene diplomatically and help restore dialogue, stability, and trust.
For more information please visit: https://jkjaac.co/