Pakistan’s Independence Day Sees ‘Black Day’ Protests By Kashmiris Across UK, Europe

Overseas Kashmiris in the UK and Europe marked Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14 as a “Black Day”, staging protests against Islamabad’s control over Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and calling for the withdrawal of Pakistani forces from the region.

Demonstrations were held across Britain, including outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford, where members of the British Kashmiri diaspora wore black armbands and raised slogans against Pakistan’s military presence in PoJK.

Protesters also gathered outside Pakistani diplomatic missions, accusing Islamabad of denying Kashmiris their political and democratic rights and calling for an end to what they described as Pakistan’s occupation and repression in the region.

#WATCH | UK: A protest

was held outside the Pakistan Consulate in Bradford on Friday over developments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Following the demonstration, protesters submitted a memorandum to a Pakistani diplomat addressed to the Prime Minister of… pic.twitter.com/ux6jjeyoeP

— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2026

Bradford Protest Targets Pakistani Military Presence

At the protest outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford, demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of Pakistani forces from PoJK and an immediate end to their presence in the region.

They called for an end to what they described as a siege in Kashmir and urged Pakistan to respect the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and allow them to decide their own political future.

The protesters alleged that Pakistan entered Kashmir with armed forces on October 22, 1947, leading to the division of the territory and contributing to decades of hardship for its people.

According to the demonstrators, PoJK has remained under Pakistani control since 1947.

Protesters Allege Human Rights Abuses In PoJK

Overseas Kashmiri demonstrators accused Pakistani forces of serious human rights violations in PoJK.

They alleged that Pakistani forces have maintained a prolonged siege, entered civilian homes, killed and injured residents and contributed to the disappearance of thousands of young people and other civilians.

The protesters also demanded recognition of Kashmiri rights to self-governance, property, cultural identity, freedom of expression and independent journalism in PoJK.

Participants said they would continue their campaign for political freedom, self-rule and the protection of Kashmiri identity and rights.

Fiery Anti-Pakistan Address In London

The August 14 demonstrations also saw strongly worded speeches by Kashmiri activists, including a fiery address in London by a young Kashmiri protester denouncing Pakistan’s role in PoJK.

The protester described the Pakistan Army as an occupying force and accused Islamabad of maintaining control over the region against the wishes of Kashmiris.

The address echoed the broader message of the demonstrations held across the UK and Europe, with participants using Pakistan’s Independence Day to highlight their opposition to Islamabad’s control over PoJK.

Appeal To UK Government, Rights Organisations

The demonstrators appealed to the UK Government and international human rights organisations to intervene and press Pakistan to end what they described as the ongoing repression of Kashmiris.

They urged the international community, particularly the British Government and rights bodies, to take note of the situation in PoJK and work towards safeguarding the fundamental human, political and democratic rights of the Kashmiri people.

The protesters reiterated that their campaign would continue until Kashmiris were able to exercise greater political freedom and protect their identity and rights.