London, August 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A 50-year-old British national was allegedly killed by Pakistani security forces during protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), while another British citizen has reportedly remained in detention in the region for more than two months, according to media reports.
Mohammad Akhtar, a resident of Peterborough in the UK, was killed on June 9 after Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters demanding economic and electoral reforms in PoK, The Guardian reported, citing his family.
Akhtar had been staying in Kotli city, close to areas where clashes were reported. His family alleged that he was struck by a stray bullet during the firing.
“He wasn’t taking part in protests, but the demonstrations were happening close to his house. There was firing by the forces that day, and he was hit by a stray bullet. There was a bullet wound on the side of his chest,” Akhtar’s cousin Mohammad Saad was quoted as saying.
Saad said Akhtar’s children had not approached British authorities over the incident. The family was also unable to file a police complaint in PoK and feared that pursuing the matter could expose them to further risks, he said.
Meanwhile, 38-year-old British national Waqas Arif from Nottingham has reportedly been detained in Mirpur since the June 5 protests. His family has maintained that he was not involved in the demonstrations.
Arif’s sister Sumera alleged that Pakistani security forces and Rangers entered their home and took away her brothers following the protests.
“There is no charge. He hasn’t done anything,” she was quoted as saying, adding that she believed many others had also been detained without being taken to court.
The reported cases highlight concerns over the impact of the unrest on British nationals with family links to PoK, where clashes have resulted in dozens of deaths and intensified pressure on Pakistani authorities.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said it was closely monitoring the situation.
“FCDO ministers and the UK high commissioner in Islamabad are in touch with their counterparts,” it said, adding that British travel advice was updated on August 7 and continues to advise against all but essential travel to affected areas.
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