By: Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd), Editor, GSDN

In recent years, the relationship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) has taken a complex turn, marked by a series of events that hint at underlying tensions and possible motivations that extend beyond mere coincidence. The issues surrounding Israel-Palestine conflict and continuing ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe and UK are believed by some to be driving Pakistan’s ill-intentioned responses towards the UK. These actions are seen by many as a subtle form of retaliation, weaving together incidents of political unrest and conspiracy.

Recent political unrest in the UK has spotlighted individuals with Pakistani backgrounds. These events, while seemingly disconnected on the surface, points to a deeper narrative of revenge and frustration from the Pakistan side. On July 29, 2024 three young girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event in seaside town of Southport, in the north of England. Eight more children and two adults were injured. Later on, police arrested a 17-year-old from a village nearby. Almost immediately after the attack, social media posts spread misinformation regarding the tragic incident falsely implicating a Muslim asylum seeker. The spread of this misinformation was fuelled by Pakistan native Farhan Asif through social media posts. The misinformation led to eruption of riots across almost 20 major cities in UK in just seven days. Asif, was later arrested in Pakistan from Defence Housing Authority Lahore apartment. It is being alleged that these events are reflection of broader geopolitical frustrations. 

Pakistan has long harboured grievances over the treatment of Palestinians, and the UK being historically linked to the creation of Israel, has often been viewed with suspicion. This animosity, simmering under the surface for decades, might now be finding its expression in unexpected ways. The spread of misinformation and subsequent riots in the UK could be interpreted as part of a larger strategy to create unrest and destabilize Western nations that Pakistan perceives as complicit in the ongoing Palestinian plight.

Adding fuel to the fire is the ban on PIA flights to Europe & UK, which has hit Pakistan’s national carrier where it hurts the most. The ban was ordered by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which cited serious safety concerns following the fatal crash of PIA flight PK8303, operated on an Airbus A320 in Karachi on May 22, 2020. Another issue which landed PIA into question was the sensational revelation after this tragic incident by Aviation Minister Gulman Sarwar Khan in which he stated in the Pakistan’s National Assembly that more than 30% of civilian pilots in Pakistan have fake licenses and are not qualified to fly. Almost 1 in 3 pilots in Pakistan had fake licenses at that point of time. This move, ostensibly made over safety concerns, is perceived by some in Pakistan as a political manoeuvre aimed at further isolating the country economically. The ban has not only affected Pakistan’s aviation industry but also deepened the sense of grievance against the UK and the broader European Union. This economic blow could very well be seen as a catalyst for Pakistan’s alleged retaliatory actions, as the country grapples with the loss of revenue and prestige.

Pakistan’s geopolitical strategy, influenced by its relationships with major powers like the US, UK, and Iran, are driving these actions indirectly. While direct state involvement in these incidents is suspected, the possibility that individuals or groups within Pakistan are acting on perceived geopolitical grievances cannot be ruled out. Moreover, internal political dynamics in Pakistan, where factions might see international incidents as a way to gain domestic leverage or align with Middle Eastern politics, further complicate the picture.

The series of events involving individuals with Pakistani backgrounds underscores the complex interplay of misinformation, cultural identity, and geopolitical tensions. Whether motivated by revenge, ideological beliefs, or economic pressures, these actions illustrate the multifaceted nature of international political unrest and the deep-seated frustrations that can drive nations and individuals to act against perceived injustices. The PIA flight ban and the ongoing conflict over Palestine seem to be critical elements in this unfolding drama, suggesting that Pakistan’s actions may be part of a larger, more calculated strategy to express its discontent with the West.