Pakistan rejects 'unwarranted' remarks on AJK by individuals in UK

Pakistan on Monday rejected “unwarranted” remarks on Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) by members of the diaspora in the United Kingdom, advising the individuals 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,” said the Foreign Office (FO) in a statement.

“These individuals are advised to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan and AJK. They would do well to contribute positively to their country of residence,” it maintained.

It added that the ministry has also noted the “unwarranted remarks and queries” raised by certain British members of parliament, which reflected a “lack of awareness and disregard for the historical background of 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,” it asserted.

“The governments of Pakistan and AJK fully recognise and respect the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and democratic participation,” the statement added.

However, it stressed that “vandalism, the destruction of public services, including hospitals, and the murder of innocent civilians and law enforcement officials” could not be permitted under any circumstances.

“We urge the British Government to educate and caution those supporting proscribed organisations to refrain from such actions and to respect the democratic process, judicial decisions, and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitutions of AJK and Pakistan.

A day earlier, at least seven civilians were killed during clashes between police and the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) protesters in AJK’s Rawalakot.

The clash broke out after tensions flared over the death of a trader, who was allegedly shot during a confrontation with law enforcers on Friday night. Officials have accused the demonstrators of attacking the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalakot.

On Friday, the AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organisation, days ahead of a planned protest by the group scheduled for June 9, stating that it was “engaged in terrorism” and had acted in a manner “prejudicial to peace and security” of the state. On Saturday, AJK authorities launched a crackdown on the JAAC, arresting scores of its leaders and activists from different areas.

AJK police also sealed the head office of the JAAC, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the flow of information from AJK remains curtailed due to the closure of mobile data services. AJK authorities have also advised intending visitors to postpone their trips until June 20, citing security concerns ahead of the planned protests.

Islamabad has also dispatched federal paramilitary forces to reinforce the region’s thinly stretched police force.