Pakistan rejects UK-based criticism on AJK, calls remarks ‘Baseless’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected comments made by certain British parliamentarians and UK-based individuals regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), describing the remarks as baseless, irresponsible and based on misinformation.

In a statement, the Foreign Office expressed concern over what it termed unnecessary comments about the situation in AJK, saying the statements reflected a lack of understanding of the facts and historical context.

The Foreign Office urged individuals residing in the United Kingdom to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and instead play a constructive role in the societies where they live.

The statement said Pakistan is a sovereign and democratic state and adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, expecting the same respect in return.

According to the Foreign Office, the governments of Pakistan and AJK fully recognize and respect citizens’ constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and participation in democratic processes. However, it stressed that acts of violence, vandalism, attacks on public infrastructure and the killing of civilians or law enforcement personnel cannot be justified under any circumstances.

The spokesperson also called on the British government to discourage individuals associated with banned organizations from engaging in activities that undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance and state sovereignty, the Foreign Office said the country would not accept external interference in its internal affairs or what it described as unfounded allegations regarding AJK.