PTI Supporters Hold Rally at the California State Capitol
By Ras H. Siddiqui

 

Sacramento, CA: Supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party held a rally at the California State Capitol on March 26, 2023, to denounce the recent arrests and treatment of their workers and attempted arrest of their leader in Pakistan.

Close to 80 people from all walks of life ranging from senior citizens to kids were present at this event. It may have been small, but PTI gatherings do not need to be large. They remain enthusiastic and colorful, and this one was no different.

Banners, signs, Pakistani flags, and PTI party colors marked the occasion which was covered by two other Pakistani media outlets, Dunya News and Bol TV California. It was a Ramdan day, so the number of attendees was not expected to be large, but there was visible and plenty of vibrancy in this determined group. 

The rally began with a recitation from the holy Qur’an. Emcee and PTI activist Usman Khalid made a passionate plea for the rule of law, democratic rights, and changes only under the Constitution in Pakistan. He also expressed his concern for human rights and support for Imran Khan. Khalid was followed by our Sacramento community senior Arshad Alvi who stressed the need to make our voice heard here in America for help in restoring real democracy in our country of origin. He also highlighted human rights violations and asked for free and fair elections in Pakistan to elect the legitimate representatives of the people.

Next, PTI activist Uzma Saeed was more graphic as she described the current situation in Pakistan with mass arrests and detailed the violation of human dignity there. She gave specific examples and mentioned a few names of PTI supporters who have suffered. Journalist Arshad Sharif’s killing in Kenya loomed large at this gathering as his example was stated by more than one speaker. 

PTI’s Javaid Akhtar next gave a passionate speech in Urdu. He said that Imran Khan is a true leader who talks about and wants real democracy in the country by getting rid of the current corrupt political setup which has been in control there for several decades. He added that we all love our homeland and want to see justice there.

Adil from the San Francisco Bay Area PTI next presented an update. He said that overseas Pakistanis are important and need to understand their responsibilities.  He also said that we need to contact our local political representatives in this country and tell them what is happening in Pakistan and share our concerns with them.

Farooq Azhar was the last scheduled speaker. He too spoke in Urdu and praised Imran Khan for his inspiring leadership over the past several years. He said that there was a time when people used to laugh at Imran Khan’s political aspirations and call him a one-man party. Just look at his popularity today! All of us can only try our best and leave the rest to Allah, added Azhar.

The rally ended with the singing of the Pakistani National Anthem and chants of Pakistan Zindabad.