Pakistan detains UK councillor Daalat Ali, blocks his return flight over alleged Kashmir activism

Pakistan has reportedly detained British Labour councillor Daalat Ali and prevented him from boarding a flight to the United Kingdom, raising concerns over his treatment and the restrictions imposed on his travel. The incident has drawn attention to his longstanding Kashmir activism and the treatment of political voices critical of Pakistan’s policies in the disputed region.

Ali, who serves as the deputy leader of Rochdale Borough Council in England and represents the Kingsway ward, was visiting Pakistan when he encountered difficulties with immigration authorities. According to reports, he was initially questioned for several hours after arriving at Islamabad airport in October. He was subsequently released following communication between British and Pakistani officials.

However, the situation took another turn on October 28, when Ali was reportedly stopped from boarding his scheduled flight at Lahore airport. Immigration officials allegedly informed him that his name had been placed on a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) control list, preventing him from leaving the country.

The development prompted concerns among his colleagues and supporters in Britain, who believe the restrictions may be connected to his political activities and public positions on Kashmir. Rochdale Borough Council reportedly suspects that his involvement in highlighting issues concerning Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) may have contributed to the action against him.

Ali has been associated with efforts to promote Kashmiri language, culture and identity in the United Kingdom. Originally from Kotli in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, he has also written in the Pahari language and participated in organisations working to preserve Kashmiri cultural traditions.

The matter has attracted the attention of British political representatives. Labour MP Imran Hussain raised the issue with government ministers and sought assistance to ensure Ali could return safely to Britain. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that a British national had been detained and subsequently released. The department said it was in contact with local authorities regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, Ali’s friend and Kashmiri writer Shams Rehman said the councillor was not in custody but had been asked to complete additional paperwork in Islamabad before being permitted to travel. This indicated that, although he was no longer detained, his departure from Pakistan remained uncertain. The Pakistani authorities have not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the detention or the reported travel restrictions.

The incident has raised questions about freedom of expression, political activism and travel restrictions in Pakistan, particularly concerning individuals who publicly raise issues relating to Kashmir.