Pakistan Urges UK to Discourage Support for Banned Groups in AJK

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Pakistan on Monday called on the United Kingdom to advise its lawmakers and members of the Pakistani diaspora against supporting banned organisations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying recent statements on the situation reflected a lack of understanding of the region’s historical and constitutional context.

In a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) expressed concern over what it described as “irresponsible and ill-informed insinuations” made by certain members of the Pakistani diaspora in the UK regarding developments in AJK. The FO urged such individuals to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan and AJK and instead contribute positively to their country of residence.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in AJK following a violent incident in Rawalakot, where activists of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) allegedly opened fire on law enforcement personnel. According to police, four security officials were martyred and more than 20 police and security personnel were injured in the attack.

The clash occurred after the AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws ahead of a planned protest scheduled for June 9. The group has previously organised demonstrations over economic and political issues, some of which turned violent and resulted in casualties during confrontations with law enforcement in May 2024 and September 2025.

Responding to remarks made by certain British MPs regarding the situation in AJK, the Foreign Office urged the UK government to “educate and caution” those supporting banned organisations and to encourage respect for democratic processes, judicial decisions, and the rule of law as provided under the constitutions of both AJK and Pakistan.

The FO said the comments and queries raised by some British lawmakers demonstrated a lack of awareness of the historical background of the issue. It reiterated that Pakistan is a sovereign and democratic state that believes in non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and expects the same principle to be respected by others.

The Foreign Office further emphasized that both the federal and AJK governments fully recognize the constitutional rights of citizens, including peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and democratic participation.

Rawalakot Civilian Killed: 7 Dead in AJK Police-JAAC Clash

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