PTI UK deletes inflammatory video, urges ‘caution’ in public statements

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) UK chapter has deleted a video post on X showing a demonstration outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford, which featured statements called for violence against military leadership. The party clarified that it does not endorse any unlawful activity and emphasized that citizens should exercise caution in their public remarks to prevent misunderstandings.

Video Sparks Diplomatic Concerns

The demonstration, displayed participants holding PTI flags and making provocative statements toward Pakistan’s military. Following the circulation of the video online, the Pakistani Foreign Office summoned Acting British High Commissioner Matt Cannell on Friday to deliver a demarche. Officials sought the identification, investigation, and prosecution of those making direct threats on UK soil against Pakistan’s armed forces.

PTI UK Responds

In a statement on X, PTI UK said the video involved a citizen’s “metaphorical remarks” and was removed as a precaution to avoid potential misinterpretation. The party noted that while it does not believe violence was incited, the deletion also ensured legal protection for the individual concerned.

PTI UK highlighted the broader context of what it described as “unprecedented repression” faced by Pakistanis domestically and abroad. The statement referenced the prolonged incarceration of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and PTI leader Bushra Khan, calling attention to concerns over their treatment in prison, which has also drawn commentary from the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture.

The party reiterated its commitment to non-violence and the rule of law, stating: “PTI does not endorse unlawful behavior of any kind. Independent citizens are also advised to measure their remarks to avoid any misunderstandings.” The statement concluded with a call for the UK authorities to ensure the safety and legal rights of the individual involved.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Action

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andarabi confirmed that the demarche requested accountability for individuals involved in the provocative statements. He emphasised that the UK should hold those responsible under its own legal system. The UK government responded that any evidence of criminal activity should be forwarded to UK police for review and possible investigation.

Earlier, ministers of state from Pakistan’s ruling PML-N, including Tallal Chaudhry (Interior) and Bilal Azhar Kayani (Finance), urged UK authorities to take action. Kayani specifically noted that the video contained threats to the head of the armed forces and linked PTI to the incident, describing the statements as “unacceptable” and “unfortunate.” Chaudhry echoed concerns over the provocative nature of the video without directly assigning blame to the party.

Calls for PTI Condemnation

Former PTI leader Imran Ismail, part of the National Dialogue Committee, also urged PTI’s central leadership to condemn the remarks unequivocally. He warned that inflammatory statements could endanger Pakistan’s national interests, strain relations with host countries like the UK, and put diaspora communities at risk. Ismail added that a clear condemnation would demonstrate the party’s commitment to responsible political discourse and non-violence.

Government’s earlier action

This incident follows a series of government efforts to address anti-state activities originating from the UK. On December 4, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott to submit extradition papers for former special assistant Shahzad Akbar and YouTuber Adil Raja, both accused of spreading anti-Pakistan propaganda online. Naqvi had previously indicated that individuals involved in targeting state institutions from abroad would be repatriated.