Pak, AJK Govts fully recognize, respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly: FO Spox

ISLAMABAD, June 08 (APP): Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monday, said the Governments of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir fully recognise and respect the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and democratic participation.

Rejecting certain unwarranted remarks on the situation in AJK, the spokesperson, emphasized that however, vandalism, the destruction of public services, including hospitals, and the murder of innocent civilians and law enforcement officials could not be permitted under any circumstances.

“We have noted with concern the irresponsible and ill-informed insinuations made by certain members of the diaspora in the UK regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” the spokesperson said in a press statement.

Advising those individuals, they were asked to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, adding that they would do well to contribute positively to their country of residence.

The spokesperson further said that they had also noted the unwarranted remarks and queries raised by certain British MPs, which reflected a lack of awareness and disregard for the historical background of the issue.

For those still living in colonial times, it bore reiterating ‘Pakistan is a sovereign and democratic republic that firmly believes in non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and expects the same from others.’

The British Government was urged to educate and caution those supporting proscribed organisations to refrain from such actions and to respect the democratic process, judicial decisions, and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitutions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan.