By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad has formally issued a demarche to the Acting British High Commissioner, raising concerns over threats made against Pakistan’s military leadership during a protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford, UK.
According to Foreign Office sources, Deputy Head of Mission Matt Kennel was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs around 2 pm, in the absence of High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who is currently away from the country. Pakistan lodged a strong protest over the incident and demanded that the UK take action against those involved.
The protest reportedly involved demonstrators using a political party’s official account to mobilize participants, with highly provocative and objectionable language directed at the Chief of Defence Forces. Sources said threats were made to assassinate the Field Marshal in a car-bomb attack.
In response, a spokesperson for the British High Commission emphasized that UK police and prosecution authorities operate independently of the government. They noted that any evidence of criminal activity should be shared with the police liaison, who will investigate according to British law. The spokesperson added that if violations are confirmed, criminal proceedings could be initiated.
The demarche underscores Pakistan’s insistence that British territory should not be used to destabilize another sovereign state and reflects Islamabad’s demand that the UK hold responsible elements accountable under law.
