A British national was killed during clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), while another Briton has been detained in the region for more than two months, The Guardian reported.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
According to the report, Mohammad Akhtar, 50, a resident of Peterborough in the UK, was killed on June 9 in Kotli after being struck by a stray bullet during firing by Pakistani security forces at protesters.
His family said Akhtar was not participating in the demonstrations and was near his home when the violence broke out.
The family was unable to register a police complaint and decided against pursuing the matter with British authorities, fearing reprisals, the report said.
Another British national, 38-year-old Waqas Arif from Nottingham, has been held in a prison in Mirpur for more than two months.
His family said he was not involved in the protests and had not been charged or brought before a court.
The developments come amid months of unrest in PoK, where the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has led protests demanding economic and electoral reforms.
Pakistani authorities have accused the group of threatening public order, while the JAAC has alleged a crackdown on protesters.
Pakistani security forces have been accused of killing at least 30 people during demonstrations, a charge rejected by the government.
Earlier, Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif had likened the PoK protesters to India, calling them “enemies of Pakistan” and ruling out any dialogue with them.
India rejected Pakistan’s stance, saying the unrest was a result of Pakistan’s economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression in PoK.
The unrest comes as Pakistan-administered territory faces regional elections amid ongoing tensions between protesters and authorities.
