UK govt ‘addressing’ Pakistan HC’s concerns after vandalism incident

LONDON: The Metropolitan Police has said its diplomatic protection unit is addressing concerns of the Pakistan High Commission, London over vandalism by a group of protestors of Afghan origin who had thrown water bottles and stones at the building.

Speaking to The News and Geo, a police spokesman said: “We are in touch with the Embassy and addressing their concerns directly. We would not discuss matters of operational security with those outside of the Diplomatic mission.”

Separately, a British government source has confirmed that it received a complaint from the Pakistan High Commission detailing the events of May 23. On the day, a group of people carrying Afghanistan’s flags and shouting anti-Pakistan slogans assembled outside the Pakistan High Commission in Knightsbridge and also outside the Qatar embassy, denouncing the Afghan peace process.

The government spokesperson, who requested not to be named, told The News that the security of Pakistani diplomatic missions in the UK is of paramount importance to the UK government. The News had sent questions to Scotland Yard, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and 10 Downing Street about the incident. The government spokesman said it is in touch with the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the High Commission’s concerns.

The News had reported last week how a group of protestors of Afghan origin vandalised one part of the Pakistan High Commission and tried to seek entry during a violent protest. The footage shows several protestors throwing objects on the Pakistan High Commission’s premises, located in the Lowndes Square.

The Pakistan High Commission has shared video footage of the damage with the UK government authorities, requesting extensive security measures similar to the arrangements in place outside the premises of Israeli and Indian embassies.