British Man Shot Dead in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir

A British man has been shot dead in Pakistan-administered Kashmir during clashes between security forces and protesters, according to his family and UK officials.

Mohammad Akhtar, 50, from Peterborough, died on 9 June in the city of Kotli, his relatives said, as demonstrations demanding economic and electoral reforms took place in the disputed Himalayan territory also claimed by India.

The incident highlights how Britons with family links to the region have been affected by unrest that has killed dozens of people in recent months and has posed major challenges for Pakistani authorities.

Death after firing at protest area

Akhtar was staying in Kotli near the area where fighting broke out, when his family said Pakistani security forces opened fire on a gathering of protesters.

A cousin, Mohammad Saad, said Akhtar was not taking part in the demonstrations but was struck by a stray bullet. Saad said there was a wound on the side of his chest.

He added that Akhtar’s children decided not to pursue the matter with UK authorities. Saad said they were unable to register a police complaint in Kashmir and feared the family could be targeted if the case became public.

UK concern and updated travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said it was “deeply concerned” about the situation in parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

It said ministers and the UK high commissioner in Islamabad have been in contact with their counterparts and that UK travel advice was updated on 7 August, continuing to advise against all but essential travel to affected areas.

It is also understood that Hamish Falconer, when a Foreign Office minister, raised the issue in talks during a 16-17 June visit to Islamabad. Stephen Doughty, who holds the Foreign Office role now, has also been in contact with counterparts, the report said.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry and its high commission in London did not respond to requests for comment.

Protests linked to JAAC crackdown

Islamabad has faced accusations of conducting a violent crackdown on supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society group that launched protests in Kashmir months ahead of a three-phase vote that began on 27 July.

Pakistan designated the JAAC a terrorist organisation and imposed a communications blackout in the region from 5 June. Security forces have been accused of fatally shooting at least 30 people during demonstrations last month, accusations the government has rejected.

The JAAC says authorities are suppressing dissent and detaining scores of supporters, describing those held as ordinary Kashmiris. The group has said the election process amounts to a “sham” conducted “at gunpoint”, the report said.

Detained Briton in Mirpur prison

Another British national, Waqas Arif, 38, from Nottingham, has been held in a regional prison for more than two months after being detained in the Kashmiri city of Mirpur on 5 June, following protests.

His family said he did not take part in demonstrations. His sister, Sumera, said Pakistani forces, along with the Rangers, came to their home after other relatives were seen heading to protests and took her brothers away. She said she was not aware of any charge being brought against Arif and added that he had not been taken to court.

Arif’s wife, Varisha Kampulvi, said British authorities had not been able to make direct contact with him since he was transferred to the prison in Mirpur. She has been raising his case with UK officials.

A Foreign Office email sent to Kampulvi on 26 June stated that consular staff had been able to make contact with prison officials where Arif was being held, although it said there had been no direct contact with him. The email added that authorities confirmed he was in good health.

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10 August 2026