Latest news with #BritishPakistanis
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
UK foreign secretary welcomes Pakistan-India ceasefire, says conflict serves no one
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Friday, May 16, 2025. Photo: PID Listen to article British Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed Pakistan and India for defusing tensions and agreeing to a ceasefire during meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on his official visit to Islamabad while stating that 'the conflict serves no one's interest'. Premier Sharif met Lammy on Friday at the Prime Minister's House, expressing satisfaction with the positive momentum in Pakistan–UK relations and reaffirming his commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation across all sectors. Reiterating Pakistan's strong commitment to the ceasefire agreement, the PM noted that Pakistan had demonstrated immense patience and restraint in response to India's baseless accusations and unprovoked aggression. He stressed that Pakistan's actions in exercising its right to self-defence were both proportionate and targeted. Highlighting Pakistan's unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs, PM Sharif underscored the country's enduring desire for peace in South Asia. He also extended his best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Read more: Greatest honour is forcing enemy to ceasefire: PM marks Youm-e-Tashakur This marks the first visit by a British foreign secretary to Pakistan since 2021. A statement from the British High Commission in Islamabad noted that Lammy welcomed the ceasefire, underscoring that peace and security form the foundation of the UK's relationship with Pakistan. Highlighting the importance of regional stability, Lammy praised efforts to end the long-standing hostility between Pakistan and India, calling the past few weeks 'distressing.' 'The past few weeks have been difficult for British Pakistanis and British Indians alike. We particularly welcome the ceasefire between British Pakistanis and British Indians,' he added. Referring to the heightened tensions after Pahalgam incident, he said the UK had made every effort to de-escalate the situation. 'Both India and Pakistan have agreed to stop hostilities, and the ceasefire remains in place.' Reaffirming the UK's commitment to counter-terrorism efforts and ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire, Lammy highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the UK and Pakistan in promoting regional peace and stability. Earlier, DPM Dar met with Lammy in Islamabad, warmly welcoming the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, according to a statement from the Foreign Office. Read more: Pakistan reaffirms support for China's territorial integrity in Zangnan Dar extended a cordial welcome to Lammy on his first official visit to Pakistan. The two leaders held detailed discussions on recent developments in South Asia, with a particular focus on the Pakistan–India ceasefire. The DPM informed the British foreign secretary of India's unprovoked and aggressive actions, condemning them as violations of Pakistan's sovereignty, international law, the United Nations Charter, and the principles of interstate relations. He maintained that Pakistan had exercised its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Dar appreciated the UK's constructive and positive role in reducing tensions. Both sides stressed the importance of restraint and sustained dialogue to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region. The meeting also addressed bilateral relations, with both parties expressing satisfaction over progress in trade, economic cooperation, and development partnerships. Dar lauded the UK's valuable support in the fields of education, healthcare, and climate resilience. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including climate change and sustainable development. They reiterated their resolve to strengthen the historic and long-standing ties between Pakistan and the UK, built on mutual respect, shared values, and strong people-to-people connections.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
United Kingdom discusses rising tensions between India, Pakistan in Parliament; appeals for de-escalation
The rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were debated at length in the British Parliament on Thursday (May 8, 2025) with members across the parties appealing for efforts by the U.K. to aid de-escalation in the region. India launched Operation Sindoor early hours of May 7, 2025, hitting nine terror targets in PoK and Pakistan's Punjab province in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. U.K. Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer opened the debate in the House of Commons on May 7, 2025 with a statement reiterating Prime Minister Keir Starmer's earlier remarks over the importance of diplomacy and dialogue. He also expressed concerns related to the very 'personal' aspect of the conflict for a large number of British Indians and British Pakistanis in the country. 'Our consistent message to both India and Pakistan has been to show restraint. They need to engage in dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward,' said Mr. Falconer. 'The U.K. has a close and unique relationship with both countries. It is heartbreaking to see civilian lives being lost. If this escalates further, nobody wins. We clearly condemned the horrific terrorist attack last month,' he said, referring to the Pahalgam terror attack and said it was the worst such attack for many years in that region. 'Now, we need all sides to focus urgently on the steps needed to restore regional stability and ensure the protection of civilians,' Mr. Falconer said. He asserted that the U.K. will continue to work closely with international partners in pursuit of 'short-term de-escalation and longer-term stability.' 'We now need to see calm heads. Britain will continue to play its full part for de-escalation and diplomacy,' he said. U.K. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel highlighted India's right to take 'reasonable and proportionate' steps to defend itself, and to dismantle the 'vile terrorist infrastructure' that has caused death and continues to threaten Indian security. 'Terrorists based in Pakistan threaten India and western interests — it was the country that Osama bin Laden was hiding in — and because of the long history of violence being inflicted by terrorists on India, the U.K. has in place long-standing security cooperation agreements with India,' noted the British Indian MP. She went on to question if Britain could offer specific support that might help avert escalation and also asked for the government's assessment of who carried out the terror attack in Kashmir on April 22. 'I can confirm that I have had extended discussions with my Pakistani counterparts about the terrorist threats within Pakistan and the efforts that need to be made to address that. That is a terrorist threat that affects Pakistan herself, which, even in recent months, has suffered significant terrorist attacks,' Mr. Falconer responded. India-born Labour MP Jas Athwal addressed the Commons on a personal note highlighting that his parents were born in Pakistan. 'I know only too well that neither nation will take a backward step, so what can the Minister do to assure me and my residents in Ilford South that we will do everything possible to bring both the superpowers to the negotiating table to restore peace to this volatile part of the world,' he asked. Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman called for terrorist bases to be removed 'once and for all' from Pakistan. 'It was made clear at the time by India that either Pakistan removes the terrorist spaces along the line of control, or India would remove them… nine sites were hit; Those were terrorist bases where terrorists were being trained to commit further atrocities in India,' he said. A number of Pakistani-origin British MPs also intervened to condemn the 'massive escalation' and a real threat of war between the two nuclear powers. 'It is important that the House remains focussed on the importance of de-escalation,' the Minister stressed.
New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
UK Parliament debates India-Pakistan conflict, appeals for de-escalation
LONDON: The rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Op Sindoor targeting terror camps in PoK was debated at length in the British Parliament, with members across parties appealing for UK efforts to aid de-escalation in the region. India launched Operation Sindoor early Wednesday, hitting nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan's Punjab province in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. UK Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer opened the debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday with a statement reiterating Prime Minister Keir Starmer's earlier remarks over the importance of diplomacy and dialogue. He also expressed concerns related to the very personal aspect of the conflict for a large number of British Indians and British Pakistanis in the country. Our consistent message to both India and Pakistan has been to show restraint.
Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
India-Pakistan conflict ‘could spill onto Britain's streets'
The escalating conflict between India and Pakistan could culminate in clashes on British streets, an MP has warned. MPs and leaders of both the Muslim and Hindu faiths have called for calm amid fears that mounting tensions between the two nuclear powers in Asia could trigger disorder in the UK. Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and a Pakistani-Kashmiri, said he expects widespread instability in the region to lead to protests in Britain. 'Many communities are feeling the distress emanating from the region, and it is crucial for emotions to not run high,' he said. 'British Pakistanis, Kashmiris and Indians are all worrying for loved ones overseas at present, and it is vital that we do not compare or diminish the relative pain being felt by either community. 'I expect there to be protests and rallies, but I appeal for people to stay calm. 'It is imperative that our communities come together to promote the principles of humanity and not division, and vital that the Government does its utmost to broker an immediate end to hostilities.' In 2022, Leicester and Smethwick saw numerous clashes between predominantly young men – some wearing balaclavas and hurling racial taunts – as religious violence flared following a cricket match between India and Pakistan. Hindus and Muslims blamed one another for the disorder, much of it also fuelled by inflammatory and inaccurate posts on social media. Vinod Popat, a convener for the Hindu Community Organisations Group set up after that unrest and which represents about 50 Hindu groups in Leicester, called for restraint. 'When things like this in the region happen emotions run high and it can spill out into this country, especially among the young on both sides,' he said. 'Here in Leicester and the rest of the UK we need to live in harmony and there has to be cohesion. 'But, whatever happens in south-east Asia between India and Pakistan means there's apprehension that it could have an impact on the streets here.' Shockat Adam, the independent MP for Leicester South, said there were 'genuine fears' that the military clashes between the two nuclear powers could culminate in unrest in the UK. 'Act responsibly' 'The situation in the region is alarming and there is a genuine fear that tensions from the region could spill into the streets here in Leicester,' he said. 'A great deal of work has been done by faith and community groups to address the issues that ignited previous troubles. 'The onus is on everyone to act responsibly and not take to the streets. 'I have reached out to the police, faith groups and community organisations to promote peace and unity in our vibrant communities, so we can work collaboratively to ensure we do not see any repeat of the troubles in 2022.' Anil Bhanot, the managing trustee at the Hindu Council UK, said: 'There are always some concerns when something happens in the subcontinent between Pakistan and India. 'We want calm' 'But I hope the tensions remain in that region and don't spill over here. We want calm in this country, we don't want it to flare up again like it did in Leicester.' A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said it recognised the 'profound impact' international events can have on diaspora communities, adding how recent demonstrations featuring 'heightened emotions' had been observed 'among British Indian and Pakistani communities'. Maswood Ahmed, the deputy secretary general of the MCB, said: 'Here in the UK, we must unite, upholding our shared values of peace and respect. 'The MCB urges community leaders to take proactive steps in working with local authorities to safeguard public safety and uphold community harmony.' A protest held in London last month outside the Pakistan High Commission was being investigated by police after claims that a Pakistani diplomat was seen making a throat-slitting gesture.
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Man arrested after windows smashed at Pakistan High Commission in London amid Pahalgam attack tensions
An Indian-origin man was arrested for allegedly smashing the windows of the Pakistani High Commission in London, as tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, news agency PTI reported on Monday. Protests by both Indian and Pakistani diaspora groups have been ongoing in London. Metropolitan Police said that Ankit Love, 41, was arrested on Sunday and charged with criminal damage, as per the report. Officers were called early Sunday morning after reports that a man was smashing windows at the diplomatic mission. Love was remanded in custody and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday. 'Ankit Love, 41 (07.08.83) of no fixed address was charged with criminal damage on Sunday, 27 April,' PTI quoted a Metropolitan Police spokesperson. 'He was remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday, 28 April. The charge follows an incident at around 05:00hrs on Sunday, 27 April when police were called to reports of a man allegedly smashing the windows of the Pakistani High Commission in Lowndes Square, Kensington and Chelsea,' the spokesperson added. The incident follows a protest on Friday organised by Indian community groups in the UK, condemning Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism after the Pahalgam attack. A group of Pakistani counter-protesters, supported by diplomatic officials, used loudspeakers to overpower the chants of the Indian demonstrators. One Pakistani diplomat was filmed on Friday making a 'threatening throat-slitting gesture' toward the Indian protesters from the balcony of the High Commission building in central London, according to the PTI report. Indian community representatives gathered outside the High Commission of India in London to counter a Pakistani protest against 'Indian propaganda.' The pro-Indian group, waving the Indian Tricolour and chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram," outnumbered the smaller group of British Pakistanis across the street from India House on Sunday evening, the PTI report added. Similar protests and vigils under the theme "All Eyes on Pahalgam" were organised in other parts of the UK, including Manchester, Edinburgh, and Belfast, to condemn Pakistan's alleged support for terror groups. "The aim is to present a united front against terrorism," said Insight UK, a community group. Sunday's protest followed a previous demonstration outside the Pakistan High Commission on Friday, where a counter-protest by British Pakistanis, supported by mission officials, also took place. 'Spoke to Foreign Secretary David Lammy of UK today. Discussed the cross-border terrorist attack at Pahalgam. Underlined the importance of zero tolerance for terrorism,' said external affairs minister S Jaishankar in a social media post on Sunday. (With PTI inputs)
