Canadian Pakistanis Protest against Musharraf

TORONTO: Several Pakistani Canadian Organizations and active members of the Pakistani community of Toronto Greater Area (GTA) have organized a protest rally in front of Queens Park (Ontario Parliament Building) here on Saturday and condemned the imposition of martial law, suspension of the Constitution and Judiciary, and arrests of peaceful protestors in Pakistan. They were holding placards, banners, Pakistani flags and shouting slogans against General Musharraf.

Canadian Pakistanis --lawyers, media people, activists, businessmen and professionals-- have participated in the rally. The rally organizers demand that the Canadian Parliament pass a resolution condemning the suspension of the Constitution, imposition of martial law in Pakistan, curbs placed on media, imprisonment of protestors; that all aid to Pakistan be reviewed to ensure it does not fall into the hands of General Musharraf’s illegitimate regime; and that Prime Minister Stephen Harper declare a ban on the entry of any civil and or military members of Musharraf regime into Canada until martial law is lifted and judges restored.

A participant of the rally, Yousuf Qureishi, an IT consultant and supporter of Tahreek e Insaaf leader Imran Khan told this reporter that he came here to show his solidarity with the people of Pakistan and to demand immediate release of his beloved leader Imran Khan. He believes that “General Musharraf loves himself and hates Pakistan.”

Another participant, Mansoor Alam, a software developer, says that Judiciary should be restored as it was on November 3 and martial law should be lifted. “Judiciary should be on the top priority and all other actions are related to the judiciary,” he said.

Viqar Abbas, an IT professional, came from Missisuaga to attend the rally. He told this reporter that he demands the restoration of Judiciary as it was on November 3 and formation of a caretaker government, excluding General Musharraf, that conducts free and fair election in Pakistan.

Chaudhry Aslam, a transport businessman, said he was extremely disturbed for the situation developed in Pakistan. “General Musharraf is a full time liar; he never said a single word of truth since his takeover of the government after overthrowing the Nawaz Shareef’s elected government and Parliament.” He said that Musharraf’s government was illegitimate throughout his rule and that he was governing with the herds of his corrupt MNA (Member of National Assemblies), and MPA (Member of Provincial Assemblies). He said that it was quite upsetting that Pakistan, which had been created after sacrifices of hundred and thousands of people, came under the hand of a brutal ruler like General Musharraf.” He said that General Musharrf was a terrorist and killing the real Muslims. “The massacre of Muslims and destruction of the Lal Masjid showed and clarified the intention of General Musharraf --that he has enmity for Islam and Muslims.” Mr. Aslam said that Lal Masjid could be controlled by a constable and has been attacked by thousands of military personnel, which shows the weakness and timidity of General Musharraf.

Ahsan, another participant, asks for the restoration of Judiciary.

Yonus with his wife Faiza and one-year-old Fatima was there hoisting the Pakistani flag. “We are here to protest against the martial law in Pakistan and to demand restoration of the Constitution, judiciary, and a free and fair election in Pakistan,” said Yonus, a software professional from Thorncliffe Park Drive, Toronto.

Zahida, a housewife, came with her children to participate in the rally just because of the ban of GEO TV. “The channel has been closed, and we are forced to be distant from Pakistan. GEO was the only source to keep updated and aware of what is happening there, and my whole family watched the channel,” she said. The teenagers Huma, Mahnoor, and Zainab said they are here for the GEO TV.

Raja Hafeez, LLB, Zafar Bangash, Ayub Qureshi, Aftab Malik, Ibrar Khan, Ayub Ahmed, Ch. Shabbir, Khursheed Ahmed, Sajjad Hyder, Latif Mirza and Humayun Sheikh had given the call for this rally. Several of them addressed the protesters.