UK MP Bob Blackman Calls Pakistan a ‘Failed State', Urges End To Illegal Occupation Of Kashmir
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Blackman also raised pointed questions about Pakistan's use of international aid, suggesting that funds intended for development were being misused to procure Chinese weapons
Branding Pakistan a 'failed state", UK Member of Parliament Bob Blackman launched a sharp critique of the neighbouring country on Tuesday, questioning whether 'democracy or generals" were in charge in Islamabad. The remarks came amid growing global scrutiny of Pakistan's military dominance and support for cross-border terrorism.
In a conversation with ANI after a meeting with the all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad in London, Blackman called on the international community to stand with India in its fight against terror. He accused Pakistan of encouraging terrorism in Indian territory and condemned its continued illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
'Pakistan is a failed state. We don't have democracy in Pakistan. We have the people of parts of Pakistan, who are suffering under Pakistani military rule. So who's in charge? Is it the democracy or the Generals? And it's quite clear that terrorism is encouraged from Pakistan into sovereign India," Blackman told ANI.
He continued, 'And so we've got to make sure we have to call out the message that the illegal occupation of part of India in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan should end. Those troops should leave, and the whole of Jammu and Kashmir should be united as one principal state, as was intended back in 1947. And then we can lead to the eradication of terrorism and make sure that the people of that great state can celebrate the beauty of the valley."
Blackman also raised pointed questions about Pakistan's use of international aid, suggesting that funds intended for development were being misused to procure Chinese weapons for terror activities against India. He stressed that aid should instead support healthcare efforts like polio eradication.
'We had a meeting and it's great to see the delegation from all parts of India… Everyone from the United Kingdom expresses their condolences and support for the people of India who've suffered this terrorist outrage… India wants peace and tranquillity between the two," he said, as quoted by ANI.
'The money that's sent to Pakistan, what is it used for? What it shouldn't be used for is buying Chinese weapons that would then enable terrorists to attack India, and I take a very strong view that our international aid money that should go to Pakistan should be going for the eradication of polio and other infectious diseases that benefit the people of Pakistan rather than it being used illicitly for military purposes," Blackman added.
Earlier, the Indian delegation met with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)-India, of which Blackman is a member. UK MPs expressed solidarity with India, backing its efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. Other UK leaders, including Lord Karan Bilimoria and former MP Shailesh Vara, extended cross-party support for India's stance post the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and discussed stronger bilateral cooperation in trade, security, and education.
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June 04, 2025, 08:53 IST
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