By Shafaat Yar Khan
Overseas Pakistanis kick off protests in Sydney, Australia—charged crowds rally behind Imran Khan’s #FinalCall!”
Supporters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have taken to the streets in over 60 locations worldwide, demanding his release from prison. Thousands of protesters, primarily Pakistani expatriates, gathered in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Australia, denouncing the charges against Khan and accusing the Pakistani government of authoritarianism.
Khan, who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, was ousted through a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April 2022. Since then, he has faced a series of legal challenges and was jailed in August 2023 on corruption charges. Despite his incarceration and over 150 criminal cases against him, he remains one of Pakistan’s most popular and polarizing political figures.
The protests, which have gained momentum over recent weeks, are a testament to Khan’s enduring support among the Pakistani diaspora and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Demonstrators have rallied under the banners of “#FinalCall” and “#ReleaseImranKhan,” with chants and placards calling for his immediate release.
Some of the largest rallies in support of Imran Khan were witnessed in Europe, North America, and Australia. According to videos shared on social media by PTI, the demonstrations have drawn tens of thousands of participants.
In Italy, over 10,000 people gathered, making it one of the largest overseas protests in favor of Khan. Protesters chanted slogans and held banners demanding justice for the former prime minister. The streets of cities like Rome and Milan were filled with demonstrators, many waving PTI flags and calling for Khan’s release.
In the United Kingdom, PTI supporters organized large-scale protests in cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. London’s Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square were particularly packed with demonstrators, many of whom condemned the Pakistani government’s actions as politically motivated.
In the United States, PTI workers staged protests in multiple cities, including New York, Washington D.C., Houston, and Palm Beach, Florida. Outside former U.S. President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, protesters urged Trump to use his influence to advocate for Khan’s release. Placards reading “I stand with Imran Khan” and “Release Imran Khan” dominated the scene.
In Canada, Mississauga became a focal point for Khan’s supporters. Hundreds gathered to show solidarity with the former prime minister, joining the global wave of protests against what they called Pakistan’s “authoritarian regime.”
In Australia, demonstrations took place in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Protesters there emphasized the global importance of human rights and democracy while urging the Pakistani government to release Khan.
The protests have not only highlighted Khan’s popularity but have also brought international attention to Pakistan’s political climate. In the United States, dozens of lawmakers have written letters to President Joe Biden, expressing concerns over the detention of political figures, including Khan. In one such letter dated November 15, U.S. lawmakers referred to Khan as “Pakistan’s most popular political figure” and urged Biden to advocate for his release.
The international demonstrations have also intensified scrutiny of the Pakistani government. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government has responded by deploying tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces in riot gear to block highways leading to Islamabad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that protesters entering protected areas in Islamabad would face arrest.
So far, the government has detained over 1,200 PTI supporters, with reports from Punjab province indicating that more than 4,000 arrests have been made in connection with the protests. Among those detained are five parliamentarians from Khan’s party. Internet restrictions have also been implemented in some areas to curb the organization of further demonstrations.
Pakistani expatriates have been instrumental in organizing and participating in these protests. The diaspora has used social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to coordinate rallies and share updates about the demonstrations. The protests have created a sense of unity among Pakistanis abroad, many of whom view Khan as a symbol of hope and reform.
The widespread participation underscores the frustration and disillusionment of many Pakistanis with the current government. Protesters have accused the ruling coalition of using authoritarian measures to silence opposition voices. The arrests of PTI workers, the imposition of internet restrictions, and the heavy deployment of security forces have only fueled the perception of political repression.
Imran Khan was jailed in August 2023 on corruption charges related to the alleged misuse of state resources. His imprisonment came after a series of legal battles, including accusations of contempt of court, incitement to violence, and misuse of government funds. While his supporters view the charges as politically motivated, the government maintains that they are necessary to uphold the rule of law.
Khan’s arrest has been a polarizing issue in Pakistan, with his supporters decrying it as a blatant attempt to eliminate political competition. His party, PTI, has consistently claimed that the cases against him lack merit and are part of a broader campaign to suppress dissent.
The Pakistani government has responded to the growing protests with a heavy-handed approach. In addition to the arrests of thousands of PTI supporters, the government has implemented strict measures to prevent the opposition from organizing. Key highways leading to Islamabad have been blocked, and the D-Chowk area in the capital has been declared a no-go zone for protesters.
Security officials have justified these actions by citing the need to maintain law and order. However, human rights organizations have criticized the government for suppressing peaceful demonstrations and restricting freedom of speech.
Despite his incarceration, Imran Khan’s political legacy remains intact. As a former cricket star who led Pakistan to its first World Cup victory in 1992, Khan enjoys widespread popularity among Pakistanis both at home and abroad. His tenure as prime minister was marked by promises of anti-corruption reforms and economic revival, although his government faced criticism for its handling of inflation and foreign policy.
For his supporters, Khan represents a break from traditional dynastic politics in Pakistan. His arrest has only strengthened their resolve, with many viewing him as a victim of political persecution.
The global protests have brought international attention to Pakistan’s political situation, potentially increasing pressure on the government to address concerns about human rights and political freedoms. However, it remains to be seen whether the demonstrations will lead to any concrete changes in Khan’s legal status or Pakistan’s broader political landscape.
For now, the protests serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring support for Imran Khan and the deep divisions within Pakistani society. As thousands continue to rally worldwide, the call for justice and democracy grows louder, demanding the attention of both the Pakistani government and the international community.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
