LONDON: The British government has delivered a clear message to Pakistanover issue of money laundering and repatriation of criminals to Pakistan.
It said that it will constructively work with the Pakistani government.
However the authorities revealed that any action in the UK would follow duelegal process, ensuring that rights of people are protected and nothinghappens outside of the legal ambit.
Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) said the British government was “aware ofthe political sensitivities involved” and would make sure that due legalprocess was followed.
When asked about the announcements made by Prime Minister Imran Khanhimself and his cabinet ministers, alleging that billions of Pounds havebeen looted from Pakistan and stored in London illegally, the spokesmansaid Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is best placed to assesswhether “assets are legal or illegal”.
The spokesman refused to make comment about any individual or party orstatements issued in Pakistan but stressed that any action from the UK’sside will be guided by the justice system, not political rhetoric ornecessities.
Read Top Stories
The spokesman added that ultimately the British judicial and justice systemwill have a final say in what’s right and what’s wrong.
“Although it would ultimately be for the courts to decide,” he added. TheUK government spokesperson said that tackling corruption was a UKgovernment priority and “we will continue to work constructively withPakistan on this issue”.
When asked again if the UK government will be cooperating with Pakistan’sgovernment in the manner it wants or as portrayed in Pakistani media as ifactions against lots of people was imminent, the spokesman clarified thatnothing will happen outside of the courts system and through existing legaland diplomatic channels – everything leading towards the courts.
