The City of London Police has concluded its investigation into a complaint filed by the Pakistan High Commission concerning an alleged attack on retired Justice Qazi Faez Isa and the High Commission’s diplomatic vehicle. The incident occurred on October 28th outside Middle Temple, allegedly involving activists from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

The High Commission, acting on instructions from the Pakistani Foreign Office, filed the complaint and provided the police with video footage of the incident, both from publicly available sources and their own security cameras. They also cooperated fully with a subsequent visit from four police officers who sought further information.

The police investigation, however, determined that the available evidence was insufficient to bring charges against any individuals involved in the incident. Sources within both the High Commission and the City of London Police confirmed that the case has been closed due to a lack of sufficient evidence to meet the threshold for prosecution.

The High Commission stated that they followed all necessary procedures in filing the complaint and cooperating with the investigation.

The incident, which involved PTI protesters stopping and banging on Justice Isa’s car as he departed Middle Temple after being appointed Master Bencher, was widely circulated on social media. Video footage showed Justice Isa and his wife shielding themselves from the protesters.

The contrasting response in Pakistan saw the government place 23 individuals allegedly involved in the London incident on a passport control list, effectively revoking their passports.

This highlights the significant difference in the handling of the incident between the UK and Pakistan. The City of London Police’s decision to close the case underscores the high evidentiary standard required for criminal prosecution in the UK.