Pakistan Urges Prosecution of Protesters in the UK

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, has stated that Pakistan anticipates British law enforcement agencies will prosecute Ankit Love and other disruptive demonstrators involved in menacing and unlawful conduct.

During a press briefing in London, Dr. Faisal expressed his expectation that those apprehended and charged will face legal proceedings in accordance with British law.

Amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi following the Pahalgam incident, Pakistani and Indian diaspora protesters engaged in demonstrations outside their respective countries’ missions in central London over the weekend.

He stated, “In the early hours of Sunday, April 27th, at approximately 5:18 am, Ankit Love, later identified by British law enforcement, attacked the High Commission of Pakistan at 34-36 Lowndes Square, London.”

According to Dr. Faisal, Ankit threw stones and saffron dye at the building’s exterior, damaging several windows and leaving a saffron stain on the High Commission’s nameplate and main wall.

“Our staff promptly alerted the Metropolitan Police, who arrived swiftly at the scene and detained the suspect shortly after the event,” the High Commissioner mentioned.

Dr. Faisal noted that the attack followed a turbulent protest outside the High Commission on Friday, April 25, 2025, by members of the Indian/British Indian community, who were shouting anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim slogans.

“Several protesters, some clad in saffron attire typically linked to Hindutva extremist factions and brandishing Indian flags, displayed aggressive behaviour. They directed racist and Islamophobic insults at High Commission officials and Metropolitan Police officers, resulting in several arrests after altercations with British law enforcement personnel,” he added.

Dr. Faisal mentioned that his office maintains consistent communication with the Metropolitan Police to obtain comprehensive information about Ankit, as his nationality remains undisclosed by the authorities.

“We hope that British law enforcement will prosecute Ankit, along with the rowdy protesters detained on Friday, in compliance with British law. Sadly, this isn’t the first time the High Commission of Pakistan or our Consulates in the UK have been targeted.”

“We have again asked UK authorities to bolster security measures urgently to ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic missions and the well-being of our diplomatic staff. We trust the host authorities will fulfill their obligations under the Vienna Convention to guarantee the safety and respect of diplomatic missions,” he concluded.