A large number of overseas Pakistanis have expressed outrage on social media platforms after Pakistani flags at the Bradford consulate of the country was replaced with the flag of a political party.

In viral videos on social media, it can be seen that a person is hoisting the flag of a political party after the national flag has been taken down at the Bradford consulate of Pakistan which is located along a street without a boundary wall.

Several supporters of Imran Khan’s PTI could be seen protesting nearby. However, it was not clear immediately if the man who took down the crescent and star was among the protesters.

A local Pakistan-origin reporter said the man took the national flag with him in a car.

This incident was reported on Tuesday and coincided with PTI protests against Pakistan Judge Humayun Dilawar who sentenced PTI Chief Imran Khan to three years in prison. Dilawar is in the UK to attend training at Hull University.

Commenting on the video, social media users called it a “dark day” in the history of Pakistan.

Drama producer Furqan T Siddiqui wrote in his tweet that, “Received this video which if current and true is condemnable”.

Demanding action against those responsible after investigating the matter, he wrote that, “PTI UK workers have crossed the limits by replacing Pakistan flag with their party flag in Pak Consulate Bradford. Should be investigated and responsible should be punished.”

Another user wrote, “This is another dark day in the history of overseas Pakistanis”.

Sajid Tarar condemned the development as a “cowardly and shameful act”.

“Some religious cult members, replaced Pakistani flag with their cult party flag at the building of Pakistani Counsel General in Bradford UK. I condemn this cowardly and shameful act of this group. Pakistan zindabad.”

An overseas Pakistani said in his tweet, “ My hate for this cult increases with every passing day. PTI supporter takes down national flag and replaces it with the party flag at Pakistan consulate in Bradford “.

However, PTI circles say that the flag was taken down before the protest started and is not related to the protest. The demonstration was called for at 5[, and before that someone made the move which was condemned while the flag was restored.