LONDON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UK, Mohammad Faisal, announced that action has been initiated against those who attacked former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s vehicle at London’s Middle Temple.
“This was an extremely unfortunate incident, and we will address it,” the ambassador stated, emphasizing that further steps will align with the Pakistani government’s directives.
The incident occurred when a group of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters confronted Isa’s car on Tuesday night as he arrived to attend a prestigious event recognizing his elevation as a bencher at the Middle Temple, following his retirement as the country’s top judge.
The Middle Temple is one of four historic legal institutions in London that provide training to law students and grant licenses for entry into the legal profession. Isa is notably the first Pakistani judge to be elected as a bencher and was invited to this esteemed institution, where he and his father both studied law.
The protest was organized by the PTI’s UK chapter, led by Sahibzada Jahangir, Jahanzeb Khan, Zulfi Bukhari, and Azhar Mashwani, against the decision to invite Isa to the Bench post-retirement.
While around 80 people participated, the main event concluded peacefully. However, approximately 10 activists lingered and later attempted to stop Isa’s car, banging on it and trying to open the doors to access him and his wife, Sarina, three hours after the protest ended.
As Isa’s car, marked with a diplomatic number plate from the Pakistan High Commission, exited the venue around 10:20 PM, demonstrators led by Shayan Ali confronted it and shouted slogans against the former jurist.
Minister’s Response
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the actions and promised stern measures, including the cancellation of Pakistani CNICs and passports for the attackers. He instructed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify the perpetrators through video footage and initiate legal action against them.
Naqvi stated, “Further actions will follow once a first information report (FIR) is registered in Pakistan. The government will revoke the CNICs and passports of those involved.”
Shayan Ali defended the protesters, asserting that the UK’s Human Rights Act grants citizens the right to peaceful assembly and protest. He stated, “I do not condone any violence. The HRA ensures our rights for legal opposition. No law in England restricts peaceful protest. If action is taken against us, it would be seen as transnational repression.”
MPs Condemnation
Diplomatic sources revealed that a formal case will be filed against those involved, with Scotland Yard set to register the case against nine individuals. The High Commission plans to utilize diplomatic channels to facilitate this process.
This attack not only targeted Isa but also resulted in damage to a vehicle belonging to the Pakistan High Commission. British-Pakistani MP Afzal Khan emphasized the need to respect leadership across all sectors, stating, “There are principles to follow, even in disagreement.”
MP Yasmin Qureshi added that while people have the right to protest, it must remain peaceful and respectful: “You cannot abuse or disturb others, including their families.”
