UK MP Bob Blackman labelled Pakistan a “failed state” and raised concerns over whether it is truly governed by democracy or the military. His remarks followed a high-level meeting in London with an Indian parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad.
“Pakistan is a failed state. We don’t have democracy in Pakistan. We have people in parts of Pakistan suffering under military rule. So who’s in charge? Is it democracy or the Generals?” Blackman said. Speaking to ANI, Blackman also accused Pakistan of fostering terrorism on Indian soil and called for international solidarity with India in its fight against extremism.
“It’s quite clear that terrorism is encouraged from Pakistan into sovereign India,” he said. “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 was intended back in 1947.”
UK MP QUESTIONS AID TO PAKISTAN
Blackman also raised questions over how international aid sent to Pakistan is being used, alleging that funds intended for development may be diverted to buy Chinese weapons used by terrorists targeting India.
“The money that’s sent to Pakistan — what is it used for? It shouldn’t be buying Chinese weapons to attack India. That aid should go to eradicating diseases like polio, not for military misuse,” Blackman stated.
He expressed strong UK solidarity with India, particularly in the wake of the recent April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, and emphasised the need for deeper India-UK ties in trade, security, and education.
During the delegation’s interaction with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on India — of which Blackman is a member — UK lawmakers, including Lord Karan Bilimoria and former MP Shailesh Vara, extended bipartisan support for India’s anti-terrorism efforts.