Islamabad Dec 27: The British Deputy Head of Mission, Matt Cannell, was summoned to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a formal protest was lodged over an incident that took place in the United Kingdom.
According to sources, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott was not present in the country at the time; therefore, the Foreign Office issued a demarche to the acting British High Commissioner. The demarche was issued in response to a protest held outside the Pakistani Consulate in the British city of Bradford.
Sources said that an official account of a political party was allegedly used to mobilize protesters in the UK. During the protest, demonstrators reportedly used highly provocative and objectionable language against the Chief of Defence Forces. Serious threats were also made during the demonstration, including threats to kill the Field Marshal and claims that he would be targeted in a car bomb attack.
The Government of Pakistan has taken serious notice of these threats originating from British soil and stressed that the UK should ensure its territory is not used to destabilize Pakistan. Pakistan has expressed hope that the British authorities will take strict action against those involved and hold them accountable in accordance with the law.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain has confirmed that a demarche was issued to the acting British Head of Mission.