Washington D.C. October 18, 2024 – Pakistani-American civil society organizations, led by First Pakistan Global and other prominent groups such as the Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights and Voice of Pakistani Americans, held a press conference to address the growing political instability and human rights violations in Pakistan at the National Press Club, Washington, DC. The key demand from this event was the immediate resignation of Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, due to his role in undermining democratic governance, violating constitutional principles, and orchestrating political repression.
The event attracted significant attention, drawing members of the Pakistani diaspora who voiced their concerns over the military’s role in shaping Pakistan’s current political landscape. The speakers asserted that General Munir epitomizes the problems facing the nation, calling for immediate action to restore civilian governance and uphold democratic principles.
“Breaking!!! General Asim Munir’s immediate resignation was demanded for violating his service oath, undermining human rights, and destabilizing Pakistan’s democracy. At an urgent press briefing at the National Press Club, Washington DC ,a coalition of overseas Pakistani… pic.twitter.com/C7pQt6eIaP
— FirstPakistanGlobal (@FirstPakGlobal) October 18, 2024
High-Profile Speakers and Engaged Discussions
The press conference featured an esteemed panel of speakers, including Ryan Grim, D.C. ex bureau chief for Intercept and founder of Dropsite; Ahmed Noorani, co-founder of Fact Focus; and Barrister Ehtesham Amir Uddin, among others. The discussions were moderated by Dr. Moeed Pirzada, a prominent journalist and CEO of Global Village Space Publications.
Dr. Pirzada opened the session by emphasizing the urgent need for accountability in all sectors affecting Pakistan’s governance, particularly the military’s pervasive role in civilian affairs. He noted the diaspora’s determination to combat this influence and advocate for a political environment that supports civilian leadership. Panelists shared insights on the detrimental effects of military interference, stressing the necessity of reforms to ensure the military adheres to its constitutional role.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC, Dr. @MoeedNj Pirzada stressed the importance of the efforts by the Pakistani-American diaspora to counter the #UndeclaredMartialLaw regime’s attempts to strengthen their hold on power.
The letter… pic.twitter.com/LI8ZKBIX6C
— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) October 17, 2024
Military’s Role in Political Crisis
The press conference underscored that over 80% of the Pakistani-American community holds General Munir responsible for the destabilization of Pakistan’s political and civil institutions. Polls conducted at community events revealed widespread dissatisfaction with Asim Munir’s leadership, pointing to his actions as contributing to the erosion of civil liberties, media censorship, and the ongoing suppression of political dissent. Many participants reiterated that the military’s overreach into civilian governance has become a central impediment to democratic progress in Pakistan.
Read More: Pakistani-Americans Push Congress for Action Against Gen. Asim Munir’s Regime
The speakers highlighted that under General Munir’s leadership, the military has continuously violated its constitutional role by interfering in political matters. They pointed to the harsh treatment of opposition leaders, particularly former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned under dubious charges. The participants decried the lack of transparency in the judicial processes and condemned efforts by Munir’s regime to pass unconstitutional amendments designed to further entrench military power.
International Pressure and Congressional Support
The conference also celebrated the growing international support for democratic forces in Pakistan. Special attention was given to the U.S. Congress’s bipartisan support for House Resolution 901, which calls for free and fair elections in Pakistan and urges the U.S. to work with Pakistan to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Speakers praised American congressional leaders like Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Jim McGovern, and Rashida Tlaib for advocating sanctions against General Munir and other officials responsible for undermining democracy.
Ryan Grim and other panelists pointed out that while bipartisan consensus in Congress is rare, the crisis in Pakistan has generated a unified stance in the U.S. political arena. This support provides a critical international dimension to the pressure being applied on the Pakistani military establishment.
Next Steps for the Pakistani-American Community
Throughout the conference, participants emphasized that the Pakistani-American diaspora will not remain silent if these demands are not met. Organizers discussed plans to mobilize the community to take decisive actions, including restricting remittances and investments into Pakistan. The coalition is prepared to coordinate legal challenges and apply pressure for international sanctions targeting key figures in Pakistan’s ruling establishment.
The Pakistani-American community called on all sectors of the diaspora to work together in an organized and strategic way to ensure accountability. The participants reiterated that this is not just a political issue but a fight for fundamental human rights, justice, and the rule of law in Pakistan. The speakers agreed that without the removal of General Munir and an end to military interference, Pakistan’s political and economic future remains in peril.
The Save Pakistan press conference at the National Press Club marked a decisive moment in the global Pakistani diaspora’s efforts to push for democratic reforms and military accountability in Pakistan. With growing international support, especially from U.S. lawmakers, the movement aims to challenge military dominance and restore democratic governance in Pakistan. The diaspora’s message is clear: democracy must be restored, and those responsible for undermining it must face accountability.
Watch the full press conference below: