The United Kingdom has requested evidence from Pakistan regarding threatening statements made against Pakistan’s military leadership during a protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford.
The request follows a formal demarche issued by Pakistan to the British Deputy Head of Mission, Matt Kennell, after demonstrators reportedly raised threatening slogans against Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. The demarche highlighted Pakistan’s expectation that the UK take legal action against those involved and prevent its territory from being used to destabilise Pakistan.
A spokesperson for the British High Commission told BBC that UK police and prosecution operate independently. If a foreign government believes a crime has been committed on British soil, it may submit evidence to the police liaison, who will review it according to UK law. Criminal investigations can then be initiated if any laws are violated.
According to Pakistani Foreign Office sources, the protest organisers used an official PTI London social media account to mobilise participants.
The demonstrators allegedly used highly inflammatory language and made explicit threats to the life of Field Marshal Munir, including calls for a car bomb attack. A video shared on PTI London’s X account reportedly showed these slogans and threats.
The Foreign Office emphasised that threats made against the state institutions or top military leadership of another country from foreign soil are unacceptable. Pakistan has urged British authorities to take prompt and effective measures to hold the responsible individuals accountable under UK law.
The demarche and the subsequent request for evidence underscore Pakistan’s serious concern over the incident, which is seen as an attempt to target its military leadership from abroad. Islamabad expects the UK government to ensure that its territory is not misused for acts that threaten Pakistan’s security or stability.
