LONDON: The first public demonstration by Pakistanis in Britain since political unrest began in Pakistan was held today [Feb 2] when over 100 students and other followers of the newly formed “January Action Committee” marched from Hyde Park to the Pakistan High Commission in Knight’s Bridge.
The marchers carried black flags and placards supporting “people’s democracy in Pakistan”, “sacrifice by martyrs” and attacking the Government and Police in Pakistan. The leaders of the procession handed a petition to the High Commissioner, Mr Mahmoud A. Haroon.
The petition listed nine demands of the demonstrators and said: “We Pakistanis living abroad cannot stand aloof from the needs and aspirations of our fellow countrymen. We are shocked, moved and roused as any Pakistani would be in Pakistan, in the face of such brutalities as are being perpetrated by the dictatorial regime.”
Two student participants in today’s demonstration climbed the roof of the Pakistan High Commission last night and hoisted a black flag and a banner mourning the students killed in the recent disturbances in Pakistan. They staged an all-night sit-in inside the High Commission.
Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2019
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