As Pakistani Americans, we never thought we would be part of an advocacy group pushing for democracy and human rights in Pakistan. Like many of our fellow Pakistani-Americans, we focused on our professions and family lives, grateful for the opportunities afforded to us in the United States. However, the alarming deterioration of democratic institutions and civil liberties in Pakistan over the past two years has compelled many of us to take action. From this deep concern, we organized a grassroots group known as First Pakistan Global (FPG), which, from humble beginnings, has become a dynamic force for change.
FPG was born out of necessity. Our group consists of people from all walks of life—physicians, IT professionals, engineers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders—who came together with one common goal: to give back to society and push for positive change in Pakistan. Our initial efforts were modest, but momentum built quickly. We began with community fundraisers, gatherings, and educational talks, evolving into an organized force advocating for human rights, civil supremacy, and democracy in Pakistan.
At its core, FPG reflects the Pakistani-American community’s shared concern for Pakistan’s future. What started as informal discussions in living rooms and community centers has blossomed into a well-coordinated movement. We began with simple events—fundraisers for charities, community picnics to foster engagement, and panel discussions at universities about the political and economic crises facing Pakistan. Over time, our efforts expanded to organizing protests at institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), sit-ins at the State Department in support of democracy and just foreign policy, and advocating for the U.S. government to take a stronger stance on Pakistan’s deteriorating democratic conditions.
Pakistani American community & First Pakistan Global held a conference at UCF, Florida, on Sep 29 to address human rights violations & political instability in Pakistan.
63% of attendees held Gen Munir responsible for the crisis, demanding his resignation for violating his oath… pic.twitter.com/zGtnOp9KSl
— FirstPakistanGlobal (@FirstPakGlobal) October 4, 2024
Advocacy, we quickly learned, requires persistence, collaboration, and above all, patience. Along the way, we’ve experienced both successes and growing pains. Learning the ropes of grassroots activism is no small feat. Building relationships with congressional offices, drafting letters, and educating Congress about the issues facing Pakistan have been integral steps in the process. What makes FPG special is that it is composed of earnest, well-meaning individuals who genuinely want to see Pakistan succeed—both for the people in Pakistan and for those of us in the diaspora.
We have also prioritized building coalitions with other organizations and broadening the scope of our activism. We have fostered partnerships with groups like Code Pink and Emgage, learning to trust one another as we navigate the shared struggles of advocating for human rights and democracy. The shared experience of working together toward these goals has brought our group closer and has given us a strong foundation to move forward. Our efforts have even expanded to hosting academic discussions as far as Florida, engaging intellectuals, academics, and community members in critical conversations about Pakistan’s future.
While our work primarily focuses on Pakistan, FPG has also stood in solidarity with causes such as Palestinian rights, demonstrating our commitment to global human rights. Importantly, our activism is non-partisan, focused solely on the principles of justice and democracy.
Our current major initiative is circulating a powerful letter led by Reps. Greg Casar, Summer Lee, and Jim McGovern. This letter builds on the foundation laid by H.Res. 901, signaling an escalating response to the ongoing repression in Pakistan. The letter not only calls for the release of Imran Khan, who was wrongfully imprisoned, but also pushes for serious consequences for the individuals responsible for human rights violations in Pakistan.
Exclusive: As the fascist regime led by Asim Munir continues its crackdown on Pakistan’s pro-democracy movement, over 37 honorable members of Congress—including Tom Lantos Human rights commission Co- Chair Jim McGovern, Casar, and Lee—are circulating the strongest letter yet… https://t.co/mtmiNHwmAV
— FirstPakistanGlobal (@FirstPakGlobal) October 15, 2024
This letter is particularly important because it goes further than previous efforts. It explicitly names Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir and calls for the possibility of sanctions, visa bans, and financial actions against those who have perpetrated human rights abuses. Pakistan’s military cannot continue to trample on the country’s democratic institutions without repercussions. Another critical aspect of this fight is transnational repression, a growing concern for activists both in Pakistan and in the diaspora. Unfortunately, some members of the Pakistani-American community have faced harassment and intimidation for speaking out against the regime. This is unacceptable. We cannot allow these thuggish methods to silence those advocating for a better, freer Pakistan. Activists, both in Pakistan and abroad, must be protected, and we will continue to push for accountability for those engaged in oppressive tactics.
This letter is more than just another step in the community’s advocacy—it’s a call to action. It is a declaration that the hybrid regime in Pakistan is on notice, and if it does not change course, the Pakistani-American community will continue to escalate its efforts to restore democracy. The stakes could not be higher. If the current government continues on this path, Pakistan risks losing its democratic identity altogether. But we believe that with collective action, we can bring about the change that Pakistan desperately needs.
FPG’s mission is clear: we want to see a Pakistan where civil supremacy, human rights, freedom of the press, and freedom of speech are respected. These are not abstract ideals; they are the pillars upon which any thriving democracy is built. Sadly, each of these values is currently under attack.
Read More: Pakistani-Americans Push Congress for Action Against Gen. Asim Munir’s Regime
We appeal to the wider Pakistani-American community to join us in this critical moment. This letter can make a real difference, but it needs widespread support. We all have a role to play in advocating for this letter and ensuring it garners the attention it deserves. Reach out to your representatives, attend local events, and stay informed. Every voice matters, and together, we can push for a brighter future for Pakistan.
FPG may have started as a small, humble effort, but it has grown into something much bigger—a reflection of the power and potential of a community united for change. The road ahead will be challenging, but we are determined to see this through. We do this not because we want to hurt Pakistan, but because we believe in its potential to grow into a true democracy. In the end, the fight for democracy is the fight for Pakistan’s future. And we, the Pakistani-American community, stand ready to continue that fight.
Dr. Usman Malik is the CEO of First Pakistan Global, an international forum advocating for the rights of Pakistanis abroad and leveraging global diaspora connections.