Pakistan Condemns UK Diaspora Comments on AJK, Calls for Non‑Interference

Pakistan on Monday rejected “unwarranted” remarks on Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) made by members of the diaspora in the United Kingdom, urging them to refrain from interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs.

“We have noted with concern the irresponsible and ill‑informed insinuations made by certain members of the diaspora in the UK regarding AJK,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

“These individuals are advised to cease any interference in the internal matters of Pakistan and AJK and to contribute positively to their country of residence,” it added.

The ministry also highlighted “unwarranted remarks and queries” from some British Members of Parliament, describing them as reflective of a “lack of awareness and disregard for the historical background of the issue.”

“Pakistan is a sovereign, democratic republic that respects non‑interference in the internal affairs of other nations and expects the same reciprocity,” the statement asserted.

“The governments of Pakistan and AJK fully recognise and respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and democratic participation,” it continued.

However, the statement stressed that “vandalism, destruction of public services, including hospitals, and the murder of innocent civilians and law‑enforcement officials” cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

“We urge the British Government to advise and caution those supporting proscribed organisations to respect the democratic process, judicial decisions, and the rule of law as enshrined in the constitutions of AJK and Pakistan,” the Foreign Office said.

Earlier, at least seven civilians were killed in clashes between police and protesters from the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot, AJK.

The violence erupted after tensions rose over the death of a trader who was allegedly shot during a confrontation with law enforcement on Friday night. Authorities accused demonstrators of attacking the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalakot.

On Friday, the AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organisation, days before a planned protest on June 9, saying it was “engaged in terrorism” and acted “prejudicial to peace and security.” On Saturday, AJK authorities launched a crackdown, arresting dozens of JAAC leaders and activists across the region.

AJK police also sealed the JAAC’s headquarters, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday.

Information flow from AJK remains limited due to the suspension of mobile data services. Authorities have advised potential visitors to postpone travel until after June 20, citing security concerns ahead of the scheduled protests.

Islamabad has deployed federal paramilitary forces to reinforce the region’s stretched police resources.

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