Action has been launched against people who “attacked” former CJP Isa’s vehicle in London

LONDON: Pakistani Ambassador to the UK Mohammad Faisal has stated that measures have been taken against those who were involved in the attack on former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa in London.

“It was an extremely unfortunate incident. We will take care of it,” the ambassador told reporters in London, assuring that further action would be taken in line with the Pakistani government’s guidelines.

Riots broke out on Tuesday evening when a group of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters surrounded and hit former CJP Isa’s vehicle outside London’s Middle Temple, where he was attending a prestigious event organized by the Honorable Society of the Middle Temple.

The event was organized to celebrate Isa’s elevation to Callee after stepping down as the country’s top judge.

The Middle Temple is one of four historic and esteemed legal institutions known as the Inns of Court in London. These institutions educate law students and grant licenses to practice law.

The former chief justice became the first Pakistani judge to be selected as a lay judge and invited to Middle Temple, a prestigious legal institution in the UK.

It may be noted that Isa studied law at the Middle Temple. His father was also a graduate of the institute.

PTI’s British branch had called for a protest – organized by Sahibzada Jahangir, Jahanzeb Khan, Zulfi Bukhari and Azhar Mashwani – in front of the Middle Temple against the decision to appoint former CJP Isa to the bench after his retirement.

Nearly 80 people took part in the protest, but the event ended peacefully.

About 10 activists remained and later tried to stop the car, hit it and tried to open the doors to gain access to Isa and his wife Sarina – three hours after the main protest ended.

When Isa’s car – bearing the diplomatic number plate of the Pakistan High Commission – appeared from the Temple’s exit door around 10.20 p.m., PTI protesters led by Shayan Ali went to the car, tried to stop it and shouted slogans against the lawyer.

The minister announces a harsh reaction

Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi also announced strict action, including cancellation of Pakistan’s CNIC documents and passports, against “attackers who targeted” the former chief justice.

The Home Minister ordered the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to immediately identify the “attackers” based on the video of the incident and initiate legal action against them.

“Further action will be taken after the First Information Report (FIR) is registered in Pakistan. The government will invalidate the Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) and passports of the attackers,” Naqvi said.

I’m talking to Geographical newsShayan said the UK Human Rights Act (HRA) gives citizens the right to protest and assemble.

He said: “I do not tolerate any act of violence by anyone. The HRA clearly outlines the rights it grants to peaceful protests and legal opposition. The right to assembly and the right to protest are enshrined in the British legal system.”

“There is no law in England that can be used against us in a peaceful protest. I saw the statement of Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi. This would be a transnational repression aimed at silencing criticism of the government if any action is taken,” he concluded.

MEPs condemn the attack

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said the commission has decided to file a formal case against those involved.

They added that Scotland Yard would register a case against nine people and the High Commission would use diplomatic channels to facilitate the submission of the application.

The attack not only targeted Isa but also damaged the vehicle of the Pakistan High Commission, as confirmed by diplomatic sources.

Meanwhile, MP Afzal Khan, a British-Pakistani, told reporters that leadership should be respected – regardless of whether it represents the judiciary or the military.

“There are rules that must be followed even when they disagree,” he noted.

Fellow MP Yasmin Qureshi said people can disagree, resist and even protest, but within limits. “It must be peaceful and respectful; you must not bully or disturb others or their family.”