In a striking demonstration of growing discontent, overseas Pakistanis in the United States staged widespread protests against Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, accusing him of authoritarian overreach and rights abuses. The protestors referred to him as Islamabad ka Qatil, a term that translates to “The Butcher of Islamabad”, encapsulating the fury and frustration brewing among segments of the Pakistani diaspora.
The protests, held in major cities including Washington D.C., New York, and Houston, saw dozens of demonstrators waving flags, holding placards, and chanting slogans that directly targeted the military leadership back home.
‘Islamabad ka Qatil’: Symbol of Rising Anger in the Diaspora
The label Islamabad ka Qatil has quickly evolved into a rallying cry among those opposing what they see as the increasing militarization of Pakistan’s politics. Protesters claim that under COAS Asim Munir’s leadership, political dissent has been met with violent crackdowns, journalists have been silenced, and opposition leaders have been unlawfully detained.
Demonstrators accused the military of staging political engineering and violating democratic norms, with banners displaying stark messages like “Stop Martial Rule” and “Democracy, Not Dictatorship”. The term Islamabad ka Qatil was repeatedly invoked to underline what they called Munir’s role in stifling civil rights in Pakistan.
Protesters Demand Global Attention to Pakistan’s Military Overreach
Protestors outside the United Nations headquarters in New York appealed to the international community to recognize the deteriorating human rights situation in Pakistan. They carried photographs of imprisoned journalists and missing persons, demanding justice and accountability from the Pakistani military establishment.
Many attendees at the protests were family members or supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who they say is being politically victimized. “We left Pakistan for safety, but we cannot remain silent as Islamabad ka Qatil continues to strangle democracy,” said a protester in Houston.
COAS Asim Munir Under Fire Over Military Role in Civil Affairs
Since assuming office, General Asim Munir has faced backlash for allegedly extending military control beyond security matters and into politics, judiciary, and media. While the Pakistani military has historically maintained substantial influence, recent incidents have heightened concern among citizens and observers alike.
Accusations include enforced disappearances, suppression of protests, media censorship, and orchestrating electoral manipulation. The overseas community sees these actions as betrayals of the values that Pakistan was founded upon.
A New Chapter of Diaspora Dissent
The use of Islamabad ka Qatil in global protests signals a dramatic shift in how the Pakistani diaspora is engaging with political events back home. What was once limited to online forums and private discussions has now erupted into organized, vocal demonstrations on international soil.
Protesters also warned of continued rallies and petitioning global human rights bodies if the current crackdown continues. Many have pledged to bring further awareness through international media and social campaigns.
No Response Yet from Pakistani Authorities
As of now, there has been no official response from the Pakistan Army or General Asim Munir regarding these protests. However, the growing international scrutiny, fueled by such slogans as Islamabad ka Qatil, may compel Pakistani authorities to address these serious allegations sooner rather than later.
With Pakistan’s political climate becoming increasingly volatile, the dissent among overseas Pakistanis could play a vital role in shaping narratives both inside and outside the country.
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