Maps
Magazine

POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Pakistan Summons UK High Commissioner Over Threatening Statements at Bradford Protest
Pakistan has summoned the UK high commissioner after provocative and threatening statements against Pakistan’s civil and military leadership were made during a protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-26
Pakistan Summons UK High Commissioner Over Threatening Statements at Bradford Protest

Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Friday summoned the United Kingdom’s high commissioner and issued a formal démarche following what it termed “provocative” and threatening statements made against Pakistan’s civil and military leadership during a protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford.

FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the démarche was issued after statements inciting violence were made from British soil, urging UK authorities to take action against those responsible in accordance with the law.

“The demarche was issued after provocative statements were made against Pakistan’s civil and military leadership from British soil,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan expects the UK to hold those involved accountable.

Earlier, Ministers of State Tallal Chaudhry (Interior) and Bilal Azhar Kayani (Finance) confirmed that Pakistan had formally written to UK authorities seeking legal action over what they described as inciteful and dangerous rhetoric. Kayani said the video circulating on social media included threats against the head of Pakistan’s armed forces.

The video shows a woman making violent remarks, including reference to a car bomb attack, while surrounded by individuals holding PTI flags. While Chaudhry did not explicitly name PTI, Kayani directly accused the party of involvement, calling the incident “unacceptable” and a threat to national security.

“This is not freedom of speech, nor a political matter,” Chaudhry said, stressing that such remarks violate international law as well as the UK’s Terrorism Act 2006. He added that states are responsible for ensuring individuals on their soil do not incite violence against other sovereign nations.

Chaudhry warned that Pakistan reserves the right to explore other legal options if appropriate action is not taken, noting that the reference to a specific method of attack indicated a serious and targeted threat.

Kayani accused PTI of promoting violence under the guise of political protest and termed the party a “national security threat”, citing past incidents including the events of May 9.

The development comes amid growing concern by Pakistani authorities over alleged misuse of social media platforms abroad to incite hatred and violence against state institutions. Earlier this month, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan would pursue the repatriation of individuals from the UK accused of spreading anti-state propaganda and submitted extradition papers related to high-profile cases.

Pakistan has reiterated its expectation that the UK government will investigate the Bradford incident thoroughly and take action in line with its legal framework.
Tagged:

PakistanUKRelations

ForeignOffice

StateInstitutions

BradfordProtest
Share News: