Murtaza Ali Shah, London Bureau Chief for , was assaulted and sustained injuries while covering a protest march organised by supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The march began in Hyde Park and proceeded to the Pakistan High Commission in London.
Thousands of British-Kashmiris assembled in Hyde Park before marching through central London to voice their concerns over the worsening situation in Azad Kashmir. The demonstrators called for an end to violence, the restoration of fundamental rights, and a resumption of dialogue. The event was largely peaceful, with most participants maintaining orderly conduct throughout.
In a significant development, as the march neared the Pakistan High Commission, Shah was attacked. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage show that at least two men approached him from behind, physically assaulting and obstructing him. The assailants appeared angered by ’ reporting on Kashmir-related issues.
The attack involved at least three men who kicked and punched Shah from multiple directions. As the assault began, a large crowd gathered, heightening tensions. Metropolitan Police officers, along with protest organisers including members of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other groups, intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.
The confrontation lasted approximately five minutes, during which a small group led by three or four individuals repeatedly tried to reach Shah despite police efforts to keep them apart. Eventually, officers escorted the journalist away from the crowd, ensuring his safety.
Once calm was restored, Shah returned to the Pakistan High Commission to continue his coverage. However, a second confrontation occurred when the same group again attempted to intimidate him while he was reporting. Witnesses noted that this incident involved only a few individuals and did not represent the behaviour of the majority, who had gathered peacefully to highlight the situation in Azad Kashmir.
Protest organisers made efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence during the demonstration.
