Pakistan rejects criticism by British MPs, urges UK to discourage support for banned groups in AJK

In a statement, the Foreign Office expressed concern over comments made by some members of the diaspora and questions raised by British MPs about recent developments in AJK.

"We have noted with concern the irresponsible and ill-informed insinuations made by certain members of the diaspora in the UK regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir," the Foreign Office said.

The ministry advised such individuals to refrain from interfering in Pakistan s internal affairs, stating that they should instead make constructive contributions to the societies in which they reside.

The statement came after four law enforcement personnel were martyred and more than 20 police and security officials were injured in Rawalakot when activists linked to the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) allegedly opened fire, according to Azad Kashmir police.

The incident followed the AJK government s decision last week to declare JAAC a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws ahead of a protest call scheduled for June 9.

The group has previously organised large-scale demonstrations over economic and political issues, some of which turned violent and resulted in casualties during clashes with law enforcement in May 2024 and September 2025.

Referring to comments by British parliamentarians, the Foreign Office urged the UK government to "educate and caution" individuals supporting banned organisations and encourage respect for democratic institutions, judicial decisions, and the rule of law as provided under the constitutions of Pakistan and AJK.

According to the Foreign Office, the remarks made by certain British MPs reflected a lack of understanding of the historical and legal context surrounding the issue.

"For those still living in colonial times, it bears reiterating that Pakistan is a sovereign and democratic republic that firmly believes in non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and expects the same from others," the statement said.

The Foreign Office reiterated that both the federal government and the AJK administration respect citizens  constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and democratic participation.

However, it stressed that acts of violence, vandalism, destruction of public property and services, including hospitals, and attacks resulting in the deaths of civilians or law enforcement personnel could not be tolerated under any circumstances.