Growing popularity: Pakistanis in US see hope in Imran
It was almost a month before Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s address at the 69th United Nations General Assembly Session when Pakistanis in the US started circulating a note on social media to gather outside the UN Headquarters and welcome the Prime Minister with ‘Go Nawaz Go’ chants.
Friday morning, sounds of beating drums and loud music echoed from the 47th Street close to UN Headquarters. Hundreds of people started assembling swinging flags of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and chanting ‘Go Nawaz Go’.
They had come with the hope of chanting slogans against Nawaz Sharif as his car would pass the avenue to enter.
Pakistani nationals settled in US and Canada had travelled miles to support PTI and register their protest. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Junaid Bashir, a PTI supporter from Virginia said more than 200 people had come in two buses, mini vans and fifteen cars from Chicago, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, Atlanta, Boston to support the cause.
“Go Nawaz Go. Go Nawaz Go” chants picked momentum as more people started filling the space.
“I work with a medical company here on daily wages and for me each day counts. But when I heard about this protest, I decided to make a sacrifice and try do my bit for the country” said Jamal Khokhar from New Jersey.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2014.
COMMENTS (46)
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He promised to speak the truth but it just opposite lies , lies and more lies are what we listen in his speeches. Can some one inform me how to trust this man who rarely speaks truth
@Roni really? The only reason we're driving 200+ miles to go to a protest in the heat of the afternoon to dry our throats out is because we "like their lifestyle?" Do the universe a favor and educate yourself.
Negative propaganda,Imran Khan was arrested at NY airport last year and he made up he was questioned on drones stance, Pakistanis in USA are well versed of Imran Khans past who is standing on clutches with no Public support.No pakistani supported Imran Khans street protest to oust Nawaz Shareef as it was non democratic.Imran Khan has support of empty fired cartridges all lined up in PTI.
@Rashid: The way it is going right now they will never be solved. Corruption, nepotism incompetence and lies of the present regime cannot solve problems. Go to the relevant site of the KPK government and you'll know what can be done with the eradication of corruption.
The young generation of Pakistanis raised in the West do support IK. But they also support and love Shahrukh, Amir and Salman Khan as well. They are not impressed by the philosophy and scholarly knowledge of these but their lifestyle. The new generation wants to have their lifestyle no matter what their parents say. Who wouldn't love a Playboy and a hero? However, the large majority of actual native Pakistanis who do go and vote do not connect with IK and his lifestyle. A western playboy who had no interest in any Pakistani woman and is not a role model for his own daughter and sons cannot be a role model for most Pakistanis living in villages. Heroes are confined to films, games but not in every sphere of life.
watch the videos online outside of the UN of protestor and make your own decision. you may even catch a glimpse of Nawaz supporter but watch carefully otherwise you may miss it, or you can watch PTV and see clips edited and run in loops of same 10 people.
Mr.Ego can never become a good leader, leave alone a great one. There is no bigger iSpecialist than Imran Khan. For him it is all about himself. This dharna is a result of his ambition of becoming the PM not being fulfilled.
Maha needs to get her facts straight before painting Pakistanis in the US with one broad stroke. We're diverse in our views and most of us have no love lost for this egomaniac who wants to gain power through the mob. He's been exposed as a liar like the rest of Pakistani politicians.
@Ahmed I don't know what are you talking about. I also live in US and every educated and decent person i know is supporting IK. Only old people whose opinions are biased are supporting Sharif brothers. The sole reason behind their support is their "language".
@Raju: it's ordinary people who donate for a good cause such as the dharnas to make a difference. Every little helps.
@Raju: Please take the trouble of going on relevant websites to get the right information about what is happening in KPK. The infrastructure is being changed there. Corruption has gone down to the lowest levels, lower that any other part of Pakistan. The police has been de-politicised which has never happened in Pakistan's history. Right to Information law has been introduced and is working. People can go on the website of any government department and get full information about how that got funds and how they are being spend. Education, more than 300,000 new students have been registered. Ask the common man about the medical facilities and the running of hospitals. This is just to name a few. Brother Raju just criticising without knowing the facts does not make much sense. You are an educated person and you are capable of investigating.
I have friends from KPK and they tell me there is definitely improvement in many key areas such as police, patwari culture, hospitals and schools. Of course it has not become Switzerland but is far better from what it was before KPK.
@Raju Raju is some Indian trying to disappoint and delude Pakistanis, we have awakened Mr ! Want to see anything on ground in KP? go, visit there and you'll see people there are absolutely satisfied. Get into the mess to realize, it takes time even for a ruined corporate to get on its feet up again, Realizing the whole corrupt people n system, lack of resources both financial and human, centuries old system and complexities of government rules and time required for understanding them while being into power for the first time, you want some magic wand to work? You want everything settled in a blink of eye? Plus with additional problems of war on terror, IDPs, Polio and what not! If you haven't heard of any corruption scandal erupting from KP,unless Punjab and lavish expenses at Minister your vote is well served! Regarding dance of KP CM everyone is free to stand up for what he believes is right in his free time if his duties aren't getting affected!
Response to majority of negative thinker. @Raju @Humza
Take it easy and be calm. Are you guys really serious. Do you guys reply read or think before post or think before speak. We more then %95 of Pakistani tired of having burden of your negative thinking, corruption, VIP culture. Clearly look like you are beneficial of corrupt peoples. Please wakeup for sake of people who are dying of hunger , not getting medical treatments. You talk about IDPs what you know about it. All lies, KPK doing what Federal supposed to do. @Raju your point .Problem with PTI supporter don't take criticism. Can you give me name of institutions where u study or know about criticism. Criticism always acceptable when it make sense, have logic and idea or theory behind it. You guy through lies because you don't have any of criticism logic. Look all n leage and PPP. Nonsense argument 5th grader much smarter then all of them. One N League MNA asked how you will solve flood effective, in middle of that conversation he brought we will bring Imran khan children back to Pakistan these are Pakistani kids. Such a stupid law maker MNA. Do you really want people like these should run this country. In the end please think positive for sake of Pakistan. Imran khan can rebuild this country so let him do it, for that wait and watch. And majority of your home might not support IK but majorty North American Support Imran Khan.
Most educated pakistanis anywhere in the world support Imran due to his relentless pursuit of educating the masses of Pakistan.
@S.M... Dharna leader is seeking Umpire through the people, isn't that a good thing mate?When does any country parliament reflects its sincerity towards the facilitators (police) rather then the facilitiees(awam) who so-called gave their mandate?
@Ali: You claim it is "all PTI in USA". That is a lie. There are perhaps 500,000 Pakistan-descent in USA. 200 of them showed up in New York to applaud Imran Khan for attacking democracy in Pakistan. 200 out of 500,000 equals a tiny minority. I live in the US and virtually every Pakistani I know despises Imran Khan and Qadri and their power hungy, deceiptful attacks on the elected government.
GO NAWAZ GO
tombstone of Nawaz grave @ gone Nawaz gone @
@ Raju
Great Stand Raju bhai... I appreciate your honesty and sincere criticism to this "umpire" seeking Dharna leader.
@Humza, try discussing toleranance with poor people who didn't get what they were promised by the Govt, WIN that war of words and then tell your relatives in KPK that PTI is doing nothing.
@Raju Try living in the shoes of people who are committing suicides just because of their electricity bills, Your policy makers (Govt) affirms your resolves the rest is what your awam duty is to develop the nation. PML N has best tried to crush little resolve the the local awam has.
@omair shahid: Ok...remain illusionary and keep denying the reality. I wish what you are saying about KPK could be right. My only point was that this was the time to work more for both PTI and other parties for the betterment of country to prove their performance, not to enagage the whole country in dharnas and turmoil just after 1 year of election. Thank You.
Well done Pakistanis, raise your voice at every foroum to get rid of such leaders who eorn a wrist watch of millions of dollars ,who r least bothred about the poor of the country, who stay in most expensive hotels of the world, while in their country a lay mn is unable to get clean dring water and food for his chillder,
@omair shahid: My relatives in KPK will tell you that PTI did not end corruption in 90 days like they promised nor changed much in the province. Slogans work well for partially educated people but truly educated people understand that real change takes time and working within a system. That's why so many people have been turned off by Imran Khan and his stubborn group of PTI trolls who cannot tolerate criticism or the fact that the rural masses support PML N. Only when we have tolerance for respecting differences of opinion can any country progress. This quality is lacking in PTI people who want quick fix solutions like in Libya, Egypt or Iraq. They can't grasp the importance of working hard in a system. I would say the majority of Pakistanis who are settled in North America support the democratic system and are turned off by IK now. Wasting money on power hungry dharnas while flood victims and IDPs suffer is not wise.
@Raju: Please come here and see how much people trust imran khan as for KPK please come and ask the people of KPK what improvement are been made they will tell you.pointing fingers is very easy.
@Usman: @Saad: Thats the issue with PTI supporters, they can't handle critism at all. I am living abroad doesn't mean I am not aware of Pakistan situation. Last year general elections I came to Pak especially to cast vote for IK and I did that. Since then I feel that I wasted my vote. What has Imran Khan done so far other than allegations and dharnas? What is so special about KPK after 1.5 years? Why should I have to visit the website when I can't see anything positive on ground? Where are all the promises have gone which he made to us before elections? He said yesterday that he will set a unifrom course outline in textbooks for all Pakistan, did he done that in his province? Why you guys defend him on issues where he failed miserably and he is wrong? I think PTI will have to learn alot in tolerance rather than in politcs
@Aftab Riyaz: Undoubtedly credit goes to these two.
We are so much tuned to PPP and PMLN that we have accepted the other provinces as they are. Just worried for KPK !!
@Raju; Bhai jan the world doesn't revolve around you and your so called hundred PTI supporters in US, the fact is that people are contributing both through monetary terms and through dedication towards IK's vision of democracy. Try broadening your perspectives and try viewing the official PTI website where you will find policies in KPK and latest news linked to the party. Your ideology of "brathari" democracy will only let the country go to drains, u might be living abroad but people like us knows the real picture, so do and say whatever u want in ur foreign lands but to be honest your single view in a sea of turbulent frustrated awam doesnt matter that much. NO offense but thats da reality
@Raju: Why don't you develop some intelligence first, before calling names. And get some perspective while your at it as well :)
@WeWillWin: You can out everything on website. Its not that simple that Pakistanis living abroad sending money to PTI. I myself living abroad and knows hundered of Pakistanis who support PTI but never send a single paisa to PTI. Plus i would suggest that you get your facts right. PTI is contesting on empty seat from Multan, the son of SMQ is contesting against JH there. And what the end of corruption in 90 days and education for all slogan? Last time I checked yesterday, PTI abondened the Tameer school program in KPK.
Some 20 yrs ago, there was a poll on the internet, asking who the respondent would like to see as Prime Minister of Pakistan. About 70% voted for Imran Khan. Anyone sees the flaw here? It was those with internet who liked him. Same today. Imran Khan is far removed from the reality of poverty, hunger, terrorist attacks, disease, lack of education. Look at KP: during last one year, none of these issues were addressed. KP's Chief Minister was found dancing on the stage of Jalsa when eight persons were killed in a terrorist attack in his province. Overseas Pakistanis do not know this. Those who are suffering, do.
Just as the Op Ed in today's ET, Burki said that IK is supported by upper middle class of cities. Unfortunately for IK more than 70% of Pakistan's population lives in villages and IK has not much connection with them. These poor illustrate hard working landless farmers working on daily wages cannot afford the luxuries of dharna for months. IK did win a few seats from the big cities but he cannot be accepted as a leader for farm workers or a role model for most Muslims. Of course those living in luxuries and have not seen Pakistan would have a liking for IK who has spent most of his early life in the West and has grown up kids including a daughter who he had to acknowledge. These US citizens of Pakistani origins have followed similar patsh and can easily connect with IK but they do not have a right to vote. Even if they vote that would be less than a small fraction of a percent and they have no constituency in Pakistan. Pakistani law does not allow such foreigners taking leadership role and contesting elections. To put the record straight my extended family and friends have no interest in IK and his rightwing politics of supporting JI and TTP.
@Raju No public money is used for staging protest against government. Party fund is used and many party workers from within Pak and outside Pakistan pay monthly to party. Everything is available on insaf website. Get your facts straighten up before you comment, also PTI is not contesting in Multan
I don't know on what basis this writer wrote the article as situation is just the opposite. Imran Khan was the most popular leader among US Pakistanis. Since dharna things have changed. Majority of us view him now as a stubborn character who is interested in one thing only - premiership.
Though in no way we support Nawaz Sharif but on the same token we are disappointed with his stubbornness and willing to alliance anyone, including Chaudhry's, Sheik Rashid & Tahirul Qadri, for his ego - bring Nawaz Sharif down.
If Imran Khan was serious in bringing a change then he should have PML (N) agree to his five out of six demands be at Nawaz throat for rest o his term. But I guess he is not ready for politics - which is an art of give & take.
Burnol please in the Raiwind.
Seriously ET? Worst piece ever
I believe is daughter is also an American national
I dont know about Canada or UK but its all PTI and PTI in the US. People who can differentiate b/w good and bad support PTI. People outside Pakistan have all evolved. I hope all of them do the same in Pakistan. . Despite many differences with their decisions I support the PTIs cause. What they stand for
Pakistani Nation has awaken. We are now playing our role, knowing our responsibilities and our rights. Credit goes to the movement by IK and TUQ. No doubt in that.
This a sign of hopelessness and desperation. You fools believe our problems can be solved in 90 days. You will be forever disappointed. Our problems will take a hundred years to solve. Thats why I will never be politician because I tell the truth.
He's an honest person. This is only quality we need.
Tribune really giving a picture of protest in New york .Indeed it was great show by US Pakistani people ... here is also link by USA media coverage . http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/pakistans-political-crisis-carries-over-u-s-youth-n212826 . . Thousands of Pakistani protesters crowded the streets across from the United Nations Headquarters Friday, while the country’s Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, addressed world leaders at the General Assembly. Among the crowd were many U.S.-raised Pakistanis, most of whom have never even been to the country but feel strong ties to a place that they say intensely defines who they are and their hopes for the future. These young Pakistani-Americans, some as young as four years old, represent an American contingent of a several-weeks-long political protest playing out in Islamabad, Pakistan. Tens of thousands of people have virtually shut down the capital city, sleeping in the streets, calling for the Prime Minister to step down because, according to protesters, he won as the result of a rigged and unfair election.
All these PTI trolls should ask their leader to first develop the KPK province which was handed over to them by the people of Pakistan and then think about rest of the country. He is spending millions in dharnas and rallies but asking government that from where they are getting money? Why no one asks Imran Khan from where he is getting this money? He said that eection commission is fake but then he belives in their report also?Any PTI troll want to answer me why they are going to take part in election on empty seat of Javed Hashmi in Multan under same election commission which they do not accept?