Pakistan rejects British lawmakers’ criticism over AJK unrest

ISLAMABAD: ISLAMABAD Pakistan on Monday rejected as “irresponsible and ill-informed” statements from British lawmakers and members of the diaspora regarding the security situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The Foreign Office issued a sharp rebuke following a series of remarks by British Members of Parliament (MPs) concerning a crackdown on protesters in the region, which has left at least seven civilians and four law enforcers dead over the past 48 hours.

“These individuals are advised to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” the Foreign Office said in a statement. “They would do well to contribute positively to their country of residence.”

The comment follows a weekend of deadly clashes in Rawalakot between police and the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC).

The Foreign Office statement appeared specifically aimed at British MPs who had raised concerns over communication blackouts and mass arrests.

It suggested that such queries reflect a “disregard for the historical background” of the region.

“For those still living in colonial times, it bears reiterating that Pakistan is a sovereign and democratic republic that firmly believes in non-interference,” the spokesperson added.

While asserting that the governments of Pakistan and AJK respect constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, the spokesperson insisted that recent protests had crossed into criminal violence.

The government accused “violent elements” of destroying public services and infrastructure.

The statement highlighted the siege of the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalakot as an unacceptable act that threatened civilian lives.

In a direct appeal to London, the Foreign Office urged the British government to monitor and “caution” individuals within the UK who are allegedly supporting proscribed organisations in Pakistan.

“The British government should educate those supporting proscribed organizations to refrain from such actions and to respect the democratic process and the rule of law,” the statement read.

The statement comes as Rawalakot remains under a heavy security presence, with local authorities maintaining a suspension of mobile data services to prevent further mobilisation by the JKJAAC ahead of the planned strike on June 9.

At least 11 people including four security personnel have been killed following intense clashes in Rawlakot between police and supporters of the JKJAAC over the last 36 hours.

In a statement, AJK police chief said on Monday that a siege around a military hospital in Rawalakot was cleared of protesters during a late-night operation.