LONDON: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Muhammad Faisal, has said that Islamabad expects British law enforcement agencies to prosecute Ankit Love and other disruptive protesters involved in criminal and threatening conduct, in accordance with UK laws.
Addressing a news conference in London, the Pakistan High Commissioner hoped that those arrested and charged would be dealt with in accordance with the relevant British laws.
As tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi rise in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, Pakistani and Indian diaspora protesters came face to face and staged protests outside the missions of both countries in central London, over the weekend.
“Early morning on Sunday, 27th April, at approximately 5:18 pm, a miscreant who the British law enforcement agencies later identified, as Ankit Love — a man in his early forties, attacked the premises of the High Commission of Pakistan, 34-36 Lowndes Square, London,” the Pakistan High Commissioner said.
Ankit, pelted stones and saffron colour at the outer wall of the building, smashing several window panes and leaving a saffron-coloured stain on the nameplate of the High Commission and the main wall, Dr Faisal said.
“Our on-duty staff immediately informed the Metropolitan Police, which swiftly reached the crime scene and apprehended the suspect, shortly after the incident, the high commissioner noted.
According to Dr Faisal, the attack came in the wake of a violent and unruly protest outside the High Commission on Friday, 25 April 2025, involving members of the Indian/British Indian community, who were chanting anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim slogans.
“Several protestors — some wearing saffron garments, commonly associated with Hindutva extremist groups and waving Indian flags — engaged in a very hostile behaviour. They hurled racist and Islamophobic abuses at officials of the High Commission, as well as, Metropolitan Police officers, leading to multiple arrests, following altercations with British law enforcement officials,” he added.
Dr Faisal said his office was in continuous touch with the Metropolitan Police to seek full details of Ankit as his nationality has yet to be revealed by the authorities.
“We expect that the British law enforcement agencies would prosecute Ankit, as well as, the raucous protesters detained on Friday, in accordance with the relevant British laws. Regrettably, this is not the first incident where the High Commission of Pakistan or our Consulates in the United Kingdom have been attacked.
“We have reiterated our request to the UK authorities to urgently enhance the security measures, to ensure the safety and integrity of our diplomatic missions and the protection of our diplomatic staff. We expect the host authorities to uphold their responsibilities under the Vienna Convention to ensure the safety and dignity of diplomatic missions,” he concluded.
Pahalgam crisis
Tensions escalated between Pakistan and India after gunmen attacked local tourists in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on 22 April, killing 26 people and injuring 17.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
In response, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) met on 24 April and warned that any attempt by India to block water flows into Pakistan would be considered an act of war.
The Pakistan Foreign Office on Friday said India was in no position to make a unilateral decision on the Indus Waters Treaty which is of critical importance for Pakistan’s water security and economy.
Foreign Office Spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad said the unlawful, unilateral, and irresponsible Indian announcement threatens the very foundations of the entire edifice of interstate cooperation and smooth implementation of the treaties.
Pakistan’s National Security Committee also announced to closure of the Wagah border crossing with India.
On April 25, the Senate of Pakistan unanimously passed a resolution, rejecting India’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Islamabad was open to any “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam attack. However, New Delhi has yet to respond to Pakistan’s offer.
“The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt,” PM Shehbaz said.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that it has no interest in escalating conflict but would defend itself if attacked.
Earlier on Monday, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the country was fully prepared to respond with “full force” if India initiated any military action.
Speaking to a private television channel, Asif said, “We want India’s lies on this issue to be exposed,” Asif said, adding that Pakistan had no desire for confrontation but would not hesitate to protect its sovereignty.
The situation deteriorated further when the Pakistani High Commission in London was vandalised by Indian miscreants on 26 April.
According to the Metropolitan Police, two persons were arrested in connection with the vandalism, which caused property damage including broken windows and paint attacks.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, condemned the incident, claiming that Indian state institutions were behind the vandalism.
International calls for restraint have grown. China urged both India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint” and “properly handle relevant differences through dialogue and consultation,” according to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
Guo reaffirmed China’s support for a fair investigation into the Pahalgam attack and stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence for regional stability.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reiterated Beijing’s consistent support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and its legitimate security concerns.
The United States has also urged caution. “This is an evolving situation and we are monitoring developments closely,” a State Department spokesperson said. “The United States encourages all parties to work together towards a responsible resolution.”
