Pakistan urges UK to discourage support for banned groups in AJK

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday urged the United Kingdom to advise its members of parliament and sections of the Pakistani diaspora to refrain from supporting banned organisations operating in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying recent statements reflected a disregard for the historical and constitutional context of the issue.

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 the situation in AJK.

The FO said such individuals should avoid interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and instead contribute positively to the country in which they reside.

The statement came after four law enforcement personnel were martyred and more than 20 police and security officials were injured during clashes in Rawalakot, where, according to police, activists of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) opened fire.

The incident followed the AJK government’s decision last week to declare the JAAC a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws ahead of its planned protest on June 9.

The group has previously organised large-scale demonstrations over economic issues and political rights, some of which turned violent and resulted in fatalities during clashes with law enforcement in May 2024 and September 2025.

Read More: AJK supreme court upholds constitutional protection of refugee seats in legislative assembly

Referring to comments made by certain British lawmakers, the Foreign Office urged the UK government to “educate and caution” those supporting proscribed organisations and to encourage respect for the democratic process, judicial decisions and the rule of law as provided under the Constitutions of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the FO, the remarks and questions raised by some British MPs demonstrated a lack of awareness of the historical background and constitutional framework governing 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,” the statement said.

The Foreign Office reiterated that both the federal government and the AJK government respect the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and democratic participation.

However, it stressed that acts of vandalism, destruction of public property, disruption of essential services, including hospitals, and the killing of innocent civilians and law enforcement personnel could not be tolerated under any circumstances.