London: A 50-year-old British national, Mohammad Akhtar, was reportedly shot dead during clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to media reports.
Akhtar, a resident of Peterborough in the UK, was killed on June 9 after Pakistani security forces opened fire during protests demanding economic and electoral reforms in PoK.
According to his family, Akhtar was not participating in the demonstrations and was staying at his home in Kotli city, near the area where clashes had broken out.
British National Killed During Firing in Kotli
Akhtar’s family said he was hit by a stray bullet fired during the security forces’ response to the protests.
His cousin Mohammad Saad said Akhtar was at home when the firing took place. He reportedly suffered a bullet wound to the side of his chest.
The family said Akhtar’s children did not take up the matter with British authorities, while they were also unable to file a police complaint in PoK. They reportedly feared that raising the issue could put the family at risk.
The incident highlights the impact of the unrest on British nationals and families with ties to the region.
Another British National Remains in PoK Jail
Meanwhile, another British national, 38-year-old Waqas Arif from Nottingham, has reportedly remained detained in a regional prison in PoK for more than two months.
Arif was detained in Mirpur following the June 5 protests. His family has claimed that he was not involved in the demonstrations.
His sister Sumera said Pakistani forces and Rangers entered their home and detained her brothers after other family members had participated in the protests.
She claimed that Arif had not been formally charged or taken to court.
UK Expresses Concern Over Situation in PoK
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has expressed grave concern over the situation in PoK.
The FCDO said its ministers and the UK High Commissioner in Islamabad were in contact with their counterparts. It also said that UK travel advice was updated on August 7 and continues to advise against all but essential travel to affected areas.
The developments come amid protests in PoK over demands for economic and electoral reforms, with clashes between demonstrators and Pakistani security forces reportedly resulting in dozens of deaths.
The cases of Akhtar and Arif have drawn attention to the impact of the unrest on British nationals with family connections to the region.