UK MP Afzal Khan condemns violence in AJK, cites UK precedent on southport riots and warns against external exploitation

Manchester-based British Member of Parliament Afzal Khan has called for strict legal action against individuals

Manchester-based British Member of Parliament Afzal Khan has called for strict legal action against individuals involved in recent violent protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), stressing that the rule of law must be applied consistently in all democratic societies.

He said British parliamentarians will never support violence, whether it occurs in the UK, AJK, or Pakistan. While reaffirming that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right, he emphasized that any form of violence is unacceptable and must be dealt with under the law.

Citing recent developments in the United Kingdom, he referred to the Southport riots, stating that British authorities took swift action against those involved in violence, with offenders prosecuted and sentenced through fast-track judicial processes. He added that the AJK government could adopt a similar approach to ensure accountability.

He further noted that in democratic systems like the UK, peaceful demonstrations are permitted, but individuals engaging in violence during protests face legal consequences, and the same principle should apply universally, including in AJK.

Afzal Khan also warned that instability can be exploited by external actors, stating that elements including India may take advantage of such situations and are actively attempting to create chaos in Pakistan.

He reiterated that the majority of demands raised in AJK have already been addressed. Regarding concerns over the 12 reserved seats for migrants, he said the appropriate constitutional route is to contest elections and pursue any changes through legal and parliamentary processes.

He made these remarks in a special interview with Minute Mirror