ISLAMABAD: In the context of the ongoing tense situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has strongly rejected the statements made by some diaspora members and British MPs living in the UK, terming them “irresponsible and far from the facts”.
According to the Foreign Office, such statements are not only the result of ignorance of the ground realities but can further complicate the sensitive situation in the region. The spokesperson clarified that Pakistan is a sovereign state that does not accept any external pressure or interference in its internal affairs.
This response has come after reports of casualties in violent clashes during the recent protest movement in Azad Kashmir. According to government sources, the situation has become tense after clashes between law enforcement agencies and protesters, while the communication system has also been restricted in some areas.
Officials say that government institutions and medical centers were targeted by the protesters, after which the security agencies took steps to control the situation. On the other hand, protesting circles are calling the government’s actions excessive and demanding a transparent investigation.
The Foreign Office stressed in its statement that the governments of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir recognize civil liberties and the right to peaceful protest, but violence, vandalism and attacks on law enforcement agencies cannot be allowed under any circumstances.
Pakistani diplomatic officials in the UK have also intensified efforts to increase contacts on this issue so that misunderstandings can be removed and the situation can be presented in a better diplomatic way.
According to political analysts, this issue is no longer just an internal security issue but is also being discussed at the international diplomatic level. According to them, the government is trying to maintain peace and order on the one hand and present its position effectively on the other hand.
Experts say that the biggest challenge in the current situation is to restore trust and prevent the conflict from escalating further, because any kind of misunderstanding or harsh diplomatic statement can increase regional tensions.