UK government urged to take tough action against those who threatened to attack army chief
The Foreign Office summoned the deputy head of the British mission on Friday and lodged a formal protest over recent anti-government protests in Bradford. The demonstrations, organized near the Pakistani consulate, gave rise to provocative speeches and violent threats against Pakistani leaders.
According to sources, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s political account in the UK was used to mobilize the protesters. During the protest, inflammatory remarks were made against the chief of defense forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Pakistan has taken these threats very seriously, demanding that the UK prevent its soil from being used to destabilize Pakistan.
The approach issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlined the seriousness of the situation. Pakistan has called on the British government to take strict action against those responsible, holding them accountable in accordance with the law. The Foreign Office statement highlighted that such actions directly contravene international standards and UK anti-terrorism laws.
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The UK’s anti-terrorism laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Act 2006, make it clear that encouraging terrorism is a serious offense. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 obliges States to prevent terrorism, including incitement and financial support for such acts. The protest, organized by PTI-linked elements, raised concerns over the misuse of British territory for anti-Pakistan rhetoric.
On December 23, the PTI’s official X-account posted a highly inflammatory video, in which protesters in Bradford openly threatened Field Marshal Munir. This rhetoric does not constitute a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression or political dissent but rather constitutes incitement to terrorism. It is deeply disturbing that PTI social media platforms shared this incitement, thereby further spreading the violent message.
The British government’s failure to resolve this issue could be seen as a violation of international law. Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the use of British soil for such nefarious activities, urging the UK to uphold its obligations under international anti-terrorism conventions. Pakistan has demanded that the individuals involved in the protest be identified and legal action taken against them after thorough investigations.
