Pakistan concerned over ‘Racist and Islamophobic’ remarks in UK

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson expressed deep concern on Monday over the rise of racist and Islamophobic political and media commentary in the United Kingdom, which unfairly associates the reprehensible actions of a few individuals with the entire British Pakistani community of 1.7 million people.

Responding to media inquiries about recent xenophobic remarks targeting the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, the spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan-UK relations are built on warmth, trust, and robust cooperation.

She highlighted that the long-standing partnership between the two nations encompasses key areas such as trade, investment, education, security, counter-terrorism, parliamentary cooperation, and strong people-to-people ties.

The 1.7 million-strong British Pakistani diaspora forms a vital bridge between the two friendly countries.

The spokesperson noted that British nationals of Pakistani origin have made significant contributions to the UK’s growth and development.

She recalled the historical role of predominantly Muslim soldiers from present-day Pakistan who served in the British Indian Army and sacrificed their lives for democracy during both World Wars.

“Today, British Pakistanis are a cornerstone of the UK’s health, retail, and services sectors. Many hold prominent public offices, including Members of Parliament, mayors, councilors, and members of local police and municipal services,” she said.

She also acknowledged their achievements in sports and the arts, as well as their contributions to enriching British culture through cuisine and music.

The spokesperson condemned the demonization of such a large and diverse community based on the actions of a few individuals, calling for an end to this unjust narrative.