Pakistanis abroad dissent Imran's arrest; UK calls it internal matter
Pakistan
Pakistani Americans organising protest rallies and gatherings in a dozen American, Canadian cities
WASHINGTON/LONDON (Web Desk) - Pakistani Americans took to the streets across the United States on Wednesday, expressing their anger at the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, the US administration acknowledged the arrest but refrained from taking sides, while the UK deemed it an internal matter for Pakistan.
In response to Mr Khan's arrest in Islamabad on Tuesday, the US State Department issued a carefully-worded statement, stating, "We are aware of the arrest of the former Pakistani prime minister," and emphasising that the United States does not favour one political candidate or party over another. While affirming support for democratic principles, the department's spokesperson emphasised the importance of respecting democratic principles and the rule of law worldwide.
However, Pakistani Americans did not hesitate to express their anger at the arrest, organising protest rallies and gatherings in over a dozen American and Canadian cities. In Washington, a crowd gathered outside Pakistan House, the official residence of the Pakistani ambassador, chanting slogans against the PDM government and the military.
Similar rallies and protests took place in New York's Times Square, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Columbus, Ohio and various locations in Michigan. The largest protest rally of Pakistani Americans in recent memory was held in Toronto, Canada, with thousands of participants singing patriotic songs and chanting slogans. Further rallies are planned across the United States and Canada.
In the UK, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded to a question stating that the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan was an internal matter for Pakistan. He reiterated support for peaceful democratic processes and adherence to the rule of law while closely monitoring the situation.
PTI supporters also gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission in London and outside the apartment of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, demanding justice and condemning the government's actions.
