Islamabad, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected what it described as “irresponsible and ill-informed” remarks by certain members of the diaspora in the United Kingdom and comments made by some British Members of Parliament regarding developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Foreign Office urged overseas individuals to refrain from interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs and instead contribute positively to the societies in which they reside. The ministry also criticized remarks by some British lawmakers, saying they reflected a lack of understanding of the historical context of the Kashmir issue.

The Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan is a sovereign and democratic state that adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and expects the same in return.

The statement reaffirmed that the governments of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir recognize and respect citizens’ constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and democratic participation. However, it stressed that acts of violence, vandalism, destruction of public property and services, and attacks resulting in the deaths of civilians or law enforcement personnel cannot be tolerated.

Pakistan also called on the British government to take note of individuals allegedly supporting proscribed organizations and to encourage respect for democratic institutions, judicial decisions, and the rule of law in both Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.