A viral claim that Pakistan replaced the UK flag at Westminster Abbey was false; the Pakistani flag was flown legally during a longstanding Commonwealth tradition.

A viral post falsely claimed Pakistan’s flag had replaced the British flag above Westminster Abbey, suggesting a political takeover. The video shows a real but misleading moment: the Pakistani flag was flown in March 2024 and March 2025 as part of a longstanding tradition where Commonwealth nations’ flags are raised during evensong services when their high commissions participate. This practice, ongoing since at least 2017, includes countries like Canada, Jamaica, and Singapore and reflects diplomatic and cultural engagement, not political change. Westminster Abbey staff coordinate the displays, which are tied to religious events, not sovereignty.