The Kashmiri diaspora in Bradford continued its protest outside the Pakistani Consulate for the 85th consecutive day, despite persistent rain. The demonstrators are seeking international attention to alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). They have demanded action against what they describe as abuses by Pakistani security forces and restrictions on political rights.

Political activist Mahmood Kashmiri said the protesters want basic rights and the freedom to live without fear. "Our basic demand is that we should be given the right to live. We should be given the basic human rights," Kashmiri said. He alleged that Pakistani security forces operate with "full impunity against the Kashmiris. And those forces are murdering the Kashmiris," he alleged.

Kashmiri also accused authorities in PoJK of manipulating the electoral process. He demanded international supervision of elections in the region. "We want that in Kashmir, elections are conducted under the watch of the global bodies," he said.

He alleged that local Kashmiris are being prevented from contesting elections while political parties from Pakistan take part in the electoral process. "The people of Kashmir are not allowed to contest the elections. The people of Kashmir who are the heirs of Kashmir cannot contest the elections," Kashmiri said. "In Kashmir, the political parties of Pakistan contest the elections," he alleged. He called for Kashmiris to receive greater political representation and urged the international community to intervene. "So, the people of the world should come and help us, so that the people of Kashmir can live their lives without any fear," he said.

Another protester compared the situation in PoJK with developments in India and urged Pakistan to address public demands. The demonstrators alleged that civilians, including women and children, faced the crackdown. They also claimed that young people have been detained or taken to undisclosed locations.

The protesters further raised concerns over alleged road blockades and shortages of essential supplies. They claimed that restrictions have affected access to medicines and food. They appealed to the UK, the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate these allegations. They also sought information about people they claim have been arrested or gone missing.

The protest comes amid tensions involving the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which protesters describe as PoJK's main protest movement. The regional government banned the JAAC in June. Protesters said the ban was followed by intensified demonstrations and deadly clashes.

The Bradford demonstrators said they will continue their peaceful sit-in outside the Pakistani Consulate. They want international bodies to take note of their allegations and press for action on the rights and political concerns they have raised.