'UK authorities investigating anti-Pakistan ads on London cabs'

Foreign Office says such malicious campaigns should not be repeated anywhere

Transport authorities in London have initiated an inquiry into the display of anti-Pakistan slogans on cabs in the capital of the United Kingdom, the Foreign Office has said.

“The Transport for London (TfL) authorities, after taking suitable action for removal of the malicious material, have initiated an inquiry in the matter and assured disciplinary action against the perpetrators,” FO spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said in a statement on Thursday.

Several pictures appeared on social media featuring cabs in London bearing ‘Free Balochistan’ livery – an obvious reference to the anti-state movement launched by Baloch insurgent groups that are reportedly patronised by India.

Just Spotted this taxi in London with Free Baluchistan Ad on it,
A frustrated attempt on our beloved country, Embassy must Tk it Seriously👎 pic.twitter.com/rFt9ncci8F

— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) November 2, 2017

Pakistan had conveyed its concern on the matter, both to the British High Commission in Islamabad and the Foreign Commonwealth Office in UK.

In response, according to a statement by Radio Pakistan, “Transport for London responded promptly and ordered the removal of offensive advertisements from cabs immediately”.

Pakistan, the Foreign Office added, appreciates the prompt steps taken against such propaganda which impinges the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan. “We are aware of the sinister intentions behind such malicious campaigns. These should not be repeated anywhere,” the communiqué read.

This is not the first time an anti-Pakistan campaign has surfaced in a western country. In September, Pakistan summoned Swiss envoy to protest over the emergence of ‘Free Balochistan’ posters in Geneva that were launched by a group that has alleged connections with Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a terrorist organisation which is perpetrating terrorism and violence in Pakistan, allegedly at the behest of India.