In a powerful appeal to the Pakistani diaspora in Europe, community leaders have emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness among Members of Parliament (MPs) about the alarming human rights violations and political repression taking place in Pakistan.
During recent meetings, Pakistani expatriates revealed that civilians are being tried in military courts, and individuals with mental health issues are being granted exemptions, highlighting the severe disregard for legal procedures. They also pointed out that the former Prime Minister and leader of the country’s largest political party is currently in solitary confinement, with his sisters denied access to meet him, violating court orders. Additionally, they shared that every year, incidents of unarmed civilians being shot at by security forces occur regularly, yet remain largely unpublicized.
The community leaders expressed their astonishment at the lack of awareness among European MPs about these realities. Unlike their counterparts in the UK and the US, European parliamentarians are not highly active on social media, and many are unfamiliar with Pakistan’s current plight. They also noted that each European country has its own language, and that MPs tend to prioritize their native language over English, making direct communication more challenging.
Urging the Pakistani diaspora to take action, leaders called for organized meetings with MPs, increased advocacy, and a widespread campaign to inform lawmakers about Pakistan’s dire situation. They believe that once MPs are fully aware, meaningful change can begin, and the oppressive situation can be addressed more effectively.
Community representatives concluded by emphasizing the importance of collective effort: “We must reach every MP, share our reality, and push for accountability. The sooner they understand what’s happening in Pakistan, the sooner we’ll see positive change.”