Pakistani-Americans want Imran Khan back as Prime Minister

Washington: Imran will return stronger, was the chant heard across not just Pakistan after his ouster on April 10, but also in the US as his party supporters gathered in groups across the United States, that Imran Khan accused of having a role in the political upheaval in his nation.

Outside the Brookfield Plaza in Northern Virginia protesting Khan's exit, protesters said: “Unacceptable, unacceptable”. When the media present asked: “What's unacceptable?” Dawn quoted a protester as saying: “This about-turn, return to the old Pakistan of corruption and nepotism.”

The Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf supporters, who came with party flags, at the impromptu march following the post midnight ouster after a day-long drama in Islamabad, did not carry posters, banners, or placards, there was just "anger and frustration", said Dawn.

“The court is wrong and the forces that backed the move against Khan are wrong too,” said Khalid Tanveer, a shop owner and one of the first in the area to join PTI told the media.

Johnny Bashir, PTI's local head, said he had no doubt “Imran will return, with new vigor and a new team. A team which will not include turncoats and cowards.”

Rana Saadat, another PTI officer-bearer, declared: “Pakistani-Americans are solidly behind Imran Khan. We will march with him to another convincing win.”

Imran Khan is popular among Pakistani-Americans. His first rally in Washington DC had drawn a huge crowd, larger than any before him. They always come forward when PTI asks for donations, for a charity or for the party itself. So, their favourite leader's unceremonious exit is extremely upsetting for them, said the local media.

However, while talking about Imran Khan's claim of a “foreign conspiracy” behind the move to unseat him. The protester in America exercise caution. “We are Pakistanis, and we are Americans too,” said Imran Butt, another PTI office-bearer.

“We love both. So, we cannot condemn either.” “No, do not blame America,” said Tanveer.

“The conspirators are sitting in Pakistan. The traitors are in Pakistan.” “This country has given us stability and respect. We love America,” said Imran Shahid, another shop owner and Imran's supporter.

One obvious change in their attitude was in how they address Imran. When he was the prime minister, he was “Khan Saheb.” Now, they are back to “Imran,” as they called him with affection before the elevation.

One supporter also urged “whistle-blowers in Pakistan to come forward and tell us how it happened. We will go after those who committed this treachery.”

Bashir claimed “widespread protests in Pakistan would force the new government to hold elections in seven months. And then we shall return with a two-thirds majority in Parliament”. (UNI)