Political violence in Pakistan concerns expats in UAE

Pakistanis in the UAE say they are concerned about the safety of friends and family caught up in the demonstrations in Islamabad, but some are hopeful the protesters could bring about real change.

Deadly clashes since the weekend have raised the spectre of military intervention which gained ground after one disillusioned opposition leader said the protesters were acting according to a plan devised by the army. Aamir Qureshi / AFPShow less

ABU DHABI // Members of the Pakistani community have expressed their anger and concern for loved ones after the police attacked protesters in Islamabad.

Over the past few days demonstrations against prime minister Nawaz Sharif, led by opposition leader and former cricketer Imran Khan and imam Tahir ul Qadri, have turned violent.

Tauseef Farooqi, a Pakistani businessman, believed military intervention was a possibility.

“The government of Pakistan has turned a political issue into a human catastrophe due to its intransigent behaviour and has aggravated it by using brutal force to kill innocent Pakistanis,” Mr Farooqi said.

“The government has turned a simple political issue into something so big that only the army can now stop things from getting out of hand.”

Pakistanis in the UAE said they have been keeping a close watch on developments back home.

Dr Salman Hameed, a medical practitioner in Dubai, said Pakistani politicians must listen to the people. “We need true leaders in Pakistan with vision, like those in the UAE, and not pseudo leaders who only come to power for the sole intention of looting the country in the name of democracy,” said Dr Hameed, who is from Karachi.

“The so-called democratic leaders have crossed all boundaries of injustice. For the first time in the history of Pakistan, people have taken to the streets for their rights.

“I feel it’s about time that the status quo changed.”

Mian Munir, a financial expert, said the political situation in Pakistan was shameful.

“The opposition wants transparency in the election process, which the present government is reluctant to provide. Justice has been denied.

“The government must set an example to make us proud and earn respect for the nation.”

Naimat Ullah Jafri, a management professional, blamed the archaic electoral system in Pakistan for the present crisis.

“Complete overhaul is required to ensure that no one can tamper with the system,” Mr Jafri said. “The current government must resign and a caretaker government should be formed to overhaul the electoral process and then go for new elections.”

Faizan Mirza, a banker in Dubai, was concerned about the security of his family and friends back home. “We cannot do much from here. But we can at least support the cause and raise our voices against the injustice which is happening right now,” Mr Mirza said.

Ziaullah K, another Dubai banker, said the situation in Islamabad was painful to watch.

“We feel very sorry about the situation in the country,” Mr Ziaullah said.

“Pakistan needs leadership like [former president] Pervez Musharraf, who not only earned respect from the country but also ensured its growth.

“The so-called democratic leaders have brought nothing to the county except shame and embarrassment.”

Despite the disturbances in Islamabad, UAE airlines have not yet halted their flights to Pakistan.

Clashes between protesters and government forces began early on Monday and state-run TV channels briefly went off air as protesters stormed its premises.

Soon after, army personnel escorted them out and secured the building.

A large number of protesters have fought pitched battles with the police after breaking through the main gate of the compound that houses government ministries and the prime minister’s residence.

The protesters are demanding Mr Sharif’s resignation after accusing him of election fraud and corruption.

Last week, The National reported that at least 300 Pakistanis who live in the UAE have travelled home to take part in the protests.