Pakistan summons British envoy, issues demarche on 'provocative' PTI protest in Bradford

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday summoned the British Deputy Head of the Mission and lodged a formal protest regarding recent anti-government demonstrations in Bradford. The protests, held near the Pakistani consulate, involved provocative rhetoric and violent threats against Pakistani leadership.

According to sources, the political account of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the UK was used to mobilise protesters. During the demonstration, inflammatory language was used against Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. Pakistan has taken serious note of these threats, demanding the UK prevent its soil from being used to destabilise Pakistan.

The demarche issued by MoFA emphasised the gravity of the situation. Pakistan has called on the British government to take strict action against those responsible, holding them accountable under the law. The foreign ministry’s statement underscored that such actions directly contravene international norms and UK counter-terrorism laws.

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Meanwhile, in response to Pakistan’s protest, the British High Commission has asked the Pakistani government to provide evidence of the alleged crime.

The High Commission clarified that in the United Kingdom, the police and prosecution operate independently of the government. If any foreign government believes that a crime has been committed on UK soil, it must provide all relevant evidence through the UK police liaison officer.

A spokesperson added that any material found to violate British law will be reviewed by the police, and based on that review, military investigations could also be initiated.

The UK’s counter-terrorism laws, including the 2006 Counter-Terrorism Act, make it clear that encouraging terrorism is a serious offence. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 obligates states to prevent terrorism, including incitement and financial support for such acts. The demonstration, organised by elements linked to PTI, has raised concerns about the misuse of British territory for anti-Pakistan rhetoric.

On December 23, PTI's official X account posted a highly inflammatory video, which featured protesters in Bradford openly threatening Field Marshal Munir. This rhetoric is not a legitimate exercise of free speech or political dissent but rather constitutes incitement to terrorism. It is deeply troubling that PTI’s social media platforms shared this incitement, further spreading the violent message.

The British government's failure to address this issue could be seen as a violation of international law. Pakistan has expressed its grave concern over the use of British soil for such harmful activities, urging the UK to live up to its obligations under international anti-terrorism conventions. Pakistan has demanded that the individuals involved in this protest be identified, and legal action be taken against them following thorough investigations.