Islamabad, January 13, 2025: The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan has expressed grave concern over what it termed as “xenophobic, racist, and Islamophobic” commentary targeting the British-Pakistani community in the United Kingdom. The remarks surfaced following controversial posts by Elon Musk, owner of the social media platform X, accusing British-Pakistani men of running grooming gangs.
In an official statement on Monday, FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan highlighted the historical ties and mutual cooperation between Pakistan and the UK, emphasizing the positive contributions of the 1.7 million-strong British-Pakistani diaspora.
“Pakistan-UK relations are rooted in warmth, trust, and decades of robust cooperation in areas such as trade, education, security, and counter-terrorism,” Khan stated. “The British-Pakistani community serves as a vital bridge, strengthening people-to-people connections and contributing immensely to the UK’s growth and development.”
Khan further underscored the diaspora’s significant role across various sectors, noting that British Pakistanis have excelled in public service, healthcare, retail, and the arts. He pointed out that many hold prominent positions as Members of Parliament, mayors, councillors, and public servants.
“To demonize such a diverse and accomplished community based on the actions of a few individuals is unjust and must be condemned,” Khan said.
The FO spokesperson also highlighted the historical contributions of Muslim soldiers from what is now Pakistan, who fought and sacrificed their lives in both World Wars under the British Indian Army.
Musk’s incendiary remarks sparked backlash, including from the UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). Richard Fewkes, director of the NPCC’s Hydrant Programme tackling child sexual abuse, clarified that “there is no significant issue with any particular ethnicity or setting” in cases involving grooming gangs. He added that the majority of such offences are committed by white men.
Musk’s posts also targeted prominent UK leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whom he falsely accused of being “complicit in the rape of Britain” during his tenure as head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). In reality, Starmer played a pivotal role in ensuring grooming gangs—regardless of ethnicity—were prosecuted. Musk also launched personal attacks on Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, referring to her as a “witch” and a “rape genocide apologist.”
The FO’s statement concluded with a call to resist stereotyping and demonization, urging all stakeholders to foster inclusivity and respect for diverse communities.
