Pakistan asks UK to probe PTI activist over threats against Field Marshal Asim Munir

LONDON: Pakistan has formally requested UK authorities to investigate a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist for inciting violence against Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, including threats suggesting he be killed in a car bomb attack, during a protest outside the Pakistan Consulate in Bradford two days ago.

According to officials, the video—uploaded by the “UKPTIOFFICIAL” social media account—shows a woman speaker making threats that reference a car blast, drawing parallels with the plane crash that killed former military ruler Zia ul Haq. Pakistan has submitted the video and its transcript to UK authorities in both Islamabad and London, expressing what it described as “grave concern” over the alleged misuse of British territory to incite violence and destabilisation.

In a formal communication, Pakistan stated that the PTI UK account circulated material in which individuals, while physically present in the United Kingdom, were openly calling for the assassination of Field Marshal Munir. The letter said the content constituted “explicit incitement to murder and the glorification of violence” against the senior military leadership of a UN member state, and was being amplified to audiences inside Pakistan with the intent of provoking unrest and confrontation with state institutions.

The communication cited alleged violations of international and domestic legal obligations, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 and provisions of the UK Terrorism Act 2006 that criminalise encouragement and glorification of terrorism and violence. It also referenced principles of state responsibility prohibiting the use of one country’s territory to incite violence or undermine the constitutional order of another.

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Pakistan said it had previously raised concerns about the use of UK territory by individuals and groups engaged in militancy or violent agitation against Pakistan, adding that the present incident marked a “qualitative escalation” due to the open call for assassination combined with sustained incitement to unrest.

The letter called on the UK government to identify, investigate and prosecute those involved; probe PTI UK and affiliated platforms for their role in inciting violence; take legal and administrative measures, including prohibition where warranted; and ensure British territory is not used to inspire violence or terrorism in Pakistan.

Describing the issue as a test of the UK’s counter-terrorism commitments and adherence to the rule of law, Pakistan said it expected the matter to be addressed with urgency, warning that inaction would have consequences for trust and cooperation.