Islamabad: Pakistan has lodged a strong protest with the United Kingdom over abusive language and violent threats against its national institutions during a demonstration outside the Pakistan consulate in Bradford.
Following the incident, Pakistan’s Foreign Office verbally demarched the British deputy head of mission, expressing serious concern over the conduct of protesters and the response of local authorities. Officials said Pakistan raised the issue after British authorities failed to take effective action despite what Islamabad termed inappropriate and objectionable speech during the protest.
Foreign Office sources said Pakistan conveyed its protest through the deputy head of mission because British High Commissioner Jane Marriott was not present in the country at the time.
According to the Foreign Office, the protest crossed legal boundaries and targeted state institutions, yet no visible enforcement measures followed. As a result, Pakistan urged British authorities to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
UK High Commission responds
Meanwhile, the British High Commission issued a statement defending the independence of the country’s legal system.
A British High Commission spokesperson said, “UK police and prosecutors operate independently of government. Where a foreign Government believes a crime has been committed, they should provide all relevant material to their UK police liaison. Any material that appears to break UK law will be reviewed by the police and may lead to a criminal investigation.”
Possible legal review ahead
According to the British High Commission, such a review could lead to the opening of a criminal investigation if authorities find sufficient grounds. Officials emphasised that legal procedures, rather than diplomatic pressure, guide law enforcement decisions. While in a viral social media video, a PTI supporter is clearly seen as inciting the public against Pakistan’s state institutions and encouraging people to a terror plot against Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Diplomatic engagement continues
The exchange underscores the sensitive nature of diplomatic and legal coordination between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Both sides indicated that the provision of evidence and subsequent legal assessment will be the key next steps as the matter moves forward within established diplomatic and judicial frameworks.
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