PAKISTANI NATION LOOKS TO THE WORLD FOR HELP WITHOUT ANY DELAY
Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Members of the NSW Assembly, Members of the Federal Parliament, Human Rights Organizations, Human Rights activists, and all respected Australian citizens,
We firmly believe in the principles of the rule of law, true democracy, freedom of speech, and the rights of citizens in a truly democratic nation. Pakistani Australians hold these values dear and strive to be law-abiding individuals. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, the military establishment, corrupt ruling class, and unjust judiciary have severely infringed upon the basic rights of the Pakistani people.
Recently, Imran Khan, the true political leader of Pakistan’s largest political party, Tehreek-e-Insaf (Justice Party) and former Prime Minister, was unjustly abducted from the premises of the high court in Islamabad. He had appeared in court to address a fabricated case filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and was awaiting a biometric identity test in order to file a petition against this false charge. During this time, a group of armed paramilitary soldiers entered the room, situated within the high court premises, subjected him to physical assault, and forcefully took him away in a lock-up van.
Imran Khan is a renowned international figure, having achieved legendary status as a cricketer and now leading the largest political party in Pakistan, PTI. Since the events of last night (9/5/2020), Mr. Khan’s arrest has gained significant attention from global media outlets. The corrupt rulers of Pakistan have resorted to banning news coverage and suppressing public protests calling for the release of Imran Khan. His life is in serious jeopardy, with potential threats from intelligence services and army generals. As a result, the people of Pakistan look to the international community to raise their voices and compel the autocratic Pakistani government to cease the torture inflicted upon Imran Khan, secure his immediate release, and grant him the freedom to continue his political activities within PTI.
I kindly request the Honourable Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, the Honourable Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, human rights organizations, and human rights activists to exert pressure on the Pakistani government to put an end to the persecution of its citizens, release Imran Khan without delay, and allow him the freedom to lead his political party, PTI.
Sincerely,
Syed Atiq ul Hassan,
Sydney-based Journalist, human rights activist and community leader
Mobile: +61 479 143 628
