More than a week after PTI protesters confronted former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa at an event in London, police have reported that no formal complaints have been filed regarding the incident.
Police Awareness but No Official Allegations
In response to inquiries about whether they are investigating what the interior minister labeled an “attack” on a diplomatic vehicle carrying Faez Isa, a spokesperson for the City of London Police stated, “We are aware of an incident that occurred near Chancery Lane on the evening of October 29, involving protesters surrounding a vehicle.” However, they clarified that no official allegations have been made to the police.
Incident Details
The confrontation took place last Tuesday when PTI protesters chased and struck a car belonging to the Pakistan High Commission as Mr. Isa was leaving the Middle Temple venue. Following the release of videos showing the incident, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced intentions to file a police complaint and promised that those responsible would face consequences.
Diplomatic Channels and Investigations
Earlier this week, sources from the Pakistan High Commission stated that a complaint regarding the incident had been forwarded to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). They indicated that the police are investigating the matter after Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged the UK government to take action.
According to reports, a complaint has also been submitted to the diplomatic police, which refers to the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Police (PaDP), a specialized unit within the Metropolitan Police Service responsible for safeguarding diplomatic properties.
Clarification from Metropolitan Police
When asked about the investigation into the Middle Temple incident, the Metropolitan Police informed that the Chancery Lane jurisdiction does not fall under their authority. As Faez Isa was traveling in a diplomatic vehicle, the case falls under the security oversight of the diplomatic police.
Sources from the High Commission confirmed that former officials who request diplomatic vehicles are typically accommodated, noting that this practice is not unusual.
