ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Monday issued a strong statement addressing recent remarks by certain members of the British diaspora and Members of Parliament concerning Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The ministry expressed concern over what it described as “irresponsible and ill-informed insinuations” and urged individuals to avoid interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan and the region.
The Foreign Office also highlighted what it called “unwarranted remarks and queries” from some UK lawmakers, noting that they reflected a lack of understanding of the historical context of the Kashmir issue. The statement reiterated that Pakistan is a sovereign and democratic republic, committed to non-interference in the affairs of other countries, and expects reciprocal respect.
The ministry emphasized that the governments of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir fully respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and democratic participation. However, it warned that acts of violence, including vandalism, attacks on public services, and the killing of civilians or law enforcement personnel, would not be tolerated.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office further urged the British government to caution individuals supporting proscribed organizations and to encourage respect for democratic processes, judicial decisions, and the rule of law as enshrined in the constitutions of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
