Dos and Don’ts for the Pakistani Diaspora

(Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi)

A concerning trend has emerged among some members of the diaspora, particularly supporters of Imran Khan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, who have engaged in activities seen as detrimental to Pakistan’s stability and reputation. These actions, which include spreading misinformation, participating in disruptive protests, and attempting to incite unrest, have led to accusations that certain members of the PTI diaspora are working against Pakistan’s interests. While political dissent is a natural part of any democracy, some of these actions go beyond criticism and could be perceived as harmful, damaging, or even treasonous behavior. After Imran Khan’s removal from office in April 2022, PTI supporters, including those in the diaspora, became more outspoken in their opposition to Pakistan’s government and military. However, some members of the diaspora went beyond peaceful protest and advocacy, engaging in rhetoric and actions that incited violence and political instability. Prominent PTI figures, including YouTubers and influencers based in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada, delivered speeches calling for violent protests in Pakistan, framing Khan’s ouster as a conspiracy orchestrated by the military and the ruling coalition. These statements, especially from PTI leaders living in exile, were seen as inciting actions that could worsen the political situation in Pakistan. Following Khan’s removal, certain diaspora supporters openly praised the violent actions taken by protesters in Pakistan. On social media and in interviews with international media, they justified the violence against law enforcement during the protests, framing it as a legitimate response. They have praised violent marches as “freedom struggles” and urged similar actions among supporters back home. Such incitement to violence, particularly at critical moments, only deepened Pakistan’s political crisis and raised concerns about the safety of both citizens and government officials. These actions contributed to escalating violence on the streets of Pakistan, with the military and law enforcement agencies drawn into increasingly dangerous confrontations with protesters, many of whom were emboldened by the rhetoric of PTI diaspora members. This situation intensified internal tensions, risking further alienation of various political factions and destabilizing Pakistan at a time when the country was already facing serious challenges.

Another damaging aspect of the PTI diaspora’s involvement in anti-Pakistan activities is its ongoing efforts to damage Pakistan’s image on the global stage. Some members of the PTI diaspora have made it their mission to attack Pakistan’s military and government through international forums, lobbying efforts in Western capitals, and global media outlets. Certain PTI supporters have spread misleading narratives that depict Pakistan’s civilian government as merely a puppet of the military. They often exaggerate the military’s role, labeling Pakistan as a “military dictatorship,” even though the military only holds significant influence in specific areas like security and foreign policy. These distorted portrayals contribute to an international perception of Pakistan as an unstable, undemocratic state.

In interviews with foreign news outlets, PTI supporters have made inflammatory statements accusing Pakistan’s military of human rights abuses, electoral manipulation, and suppressing political opposition. These individuals tend to ignore the broader socio-political context of Pakistan, presenting a highly one-sided narrative that fuels negative perceptions of the country. This narrative harms Pakistan’s diplomatic relationships, damages its international reputation, and impedes its economic prospects. The relentless flow of negative rhetoric has also strained Pakistan’s diplomatic ties, particularly with countries that host large Pakistani diaspora communities.

One of the most damaging actions of PTI supporters abroad has been the spread of disinformation through social media. Diaspora PTI members have used platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to propagate conspiracy theories, disseminate fake news, and stoke hatred against Pakistan’s military and political leadership. This disinformation has misled the international community and further divided Pakistani society. Diaspora members have been accused of circulating fabricated videos and unverified reports that accuse Pakistan’s government and military of corruption, human rights abuses, and election manipulation. These sensationalized narratives are often presented as “evidence” of systemic issues in Pakistan, intensifying the country’s internal divisions and damaging its credibility abroad. For example, allegations of election rigging have been significantly exaggerated, with some members of the PTI diaspora accusing the military of manipulating elections to secure a specific outcome. PTI’s social media network, including its diaspora supporters, often amplifies political events to align with their narrative, spreading provocative content such as memes, edited videos, and fabricated news stories that stoke anti-military sentiment. This not only misguides the general public in Pakistan but also alienates the international community from addressing Pakistan’s challenges in a constructive way. These campaigns have deepened societal polarization, especially during elections and protests, and are aimed at undermining trust in both government institutions and the military. Disinformation further exacerbates the situation by creating confusion, making it more difficult for Pakistan to navigate political crises or attract foreign investment. The PTI diaspora has also harmed Pakistan’s national interests by attempting to sway foreign governments to take positions against the country. These efforts typically involve lobbying Western powers to impose sanctions, cut military aid, or adopt a firmer stance against Pakistan’s government and military. Some members of the PTI diaspora have pushed for countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to impose sanctions on Pakistan, often citing human rights abuses or accusing the military of an “undemocratic” role in governance. These calls for sanctions are seen by critics as an attempt to isolate Pakistan internationally and undermine its sovereignty. Such lobbying campaigns can damage Pakistan’s relationships with key global powers, hindering its ability to secure vital trade deals, foreign aid, and military cooperation. These actions weaken Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to maintain balanced relations with the United States, China, and its regional neighbors, further eroding its global standing and fueling international scrutiny.

In addition, some PTI members abroad have resorted to hate speech and personal attacks against Pakistan’s political leadership, military officials, and institutions. This rhetoric goes beyond legitimate political critique, aiming to discredit and degrade Pakistan’s leadership. Prominent figures such as General Qamar Javed Bajwa, former Army Chief, former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif have been the target of sustained personal attacks from the PTI diaspora. These attacks have included calls for their imprisonment, accusations of treason, and derogatory comments about their personal lives. This kind of behavior contributes to the toxic political environment, further eroding respect for Pakistan’s institutions. The personal attacks not only deepen divisions among Pakistanis abroad but also within the country itself. The use of vitriolic language and hostile rhetoric by the PTI diaspora makes it harder to foster peaceful dialogue or national reconciliation, exacerbating political polarization and social unrest.

I often tell my relatives who live abroad and criticize Pakistan without logical reasoning that they should have the courage to visit the country and see things for themselves before passing judgment. While I acknowledge India’s troubling history of human rights violations and global terrorism, it is worth noting that their diaspora does not engage in campaigns from abroad against India, its government, or leadership. In this regard, Pakistan’s diaspora should reflect on the impact of their actions and consider the broader consequences of their rhetoric. Unfortunately, the culture of hate and disrespect toward political opponents has been fostered by Imran Khan and deeply ingrained in the minds of his supporters, which has had a damaging effect on Pakistan’s image both domestically and internationally, particularly for the diaspora. The Pakistani diaspora should take on a more constructive role in helping the country overcome its current challenges, much like other diasporas around the world, rather than contributing to the weakening of Pakistan’s global standing.

While no one can deny the invaluable contributions of the diaspora to Pakistan’s economy, the negative actions and rhetoric of certain individuals within the diaspora are distorting the image of both Pakistan and its people abroad. These individuals do not represent the views or values of all Pakistanis. The majority of the nation remains deeply loyal to Pakistan and its institutions, rejecting any attempts to undermine or harm the country with divisive and harmful rhetoric.