Student body issues ultimatum demanding the release of former PM Imran Khan.
Tariq Bhat
The situation in Pakistan involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan is becoming increasingly tense, with students and youth starting to voice strong opposition to his arrest. The arrest took place on May 9, 2023, by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) due to corruption charges related to the Al-Qadir Trust, which Khan co-owns with his wife.
Recent reports suggest that student bodies have issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding Khan’s release by August 30th, 2024. These student protests are gaining momentum, with chants of “Hum Kya Chatey Azadi” (“What do we want? Freedom”) echoing through college campuses. Some students have reportedly expressed that they are no longer afraid of the military, which has historically held significant power in Pakistan’s political landscape.
The comparison to the situation in Bangladesh, referring to the events leading up to the 1971 independence movement, hints at the severity of the unrest. The youth and student-led protests could signal a broader movement against the current government, reminiscent of the civil disobedience that played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s struggle for independence from Pakistan.
The government’s response to these protests and the potential release of Imran Khan will be critical in determining the direction of the country’s political future. If the demands are not met, there is a risk of escalating unrest that could further destabilize Pakistan.
The Pakistan Student Federation (PSF) has given an ultimatum to the government to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan by August 30. The demand came after a successful student-led protest in Bangladesh, which seems to have instilled similar feelings among the youths in Pakistan.
