Pakistan embassies in UAE, Turkey warn expats against holding protests

Activists of ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) shout slogans during a protest in front of the National Assembly in Islamabad on April 3, 2022. (AFP/File)
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  • Expats have held protests in several countries against last week's ouster of ex-PM Khan
  • Embassies warn expats breaking the law would face "serious legal consequences"

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s embassies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey this week warned Pakistani nationals to refrain from holding protest demonstrations without seeking permission from local authorities.

Thousands of expat supporters of now ousted ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan have been holding protests against his removal from the country’s top political office on Sunday night, with rallies organised in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“This is to bring to the notice of all Pakistanis in the United Arab Emirates that protests are illegal in this country,” Pakistan Embassy in the UAE said in message on Wednesday.

“Anyone breaking the law is bound to face serious legal consequences. Therefore, the community members are advised to strictly abide by the local laws,” the statement read.

 

 

On Sunday, more than two dozen Pakistani nationals were arrested in Turkey for protesting the ouster of Khan on Istanbul’s Taksim Square. The group, mostly students, was later released.

Pakistan’s mission in Ankara on Tuesday also advised Pakistani nationals living in Turkey not to take part in political activities without proper permission from Turkish authorities.