Alternative approaches to protests

This note is in reference to the current political crisis in Pakistan.

Blockaded route to the Presidency in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Protests internationally will only bring bad publicity to the cause. It will reinforce the idea that Pakistan is really “the most dangerous place in the world”. There needs to be a mechanism that we can get the word out without affecting the country's reputation. That is a tough ask, but still doable.

As professionals living in Pakistan and abroad, we should protest in mechanisms that can create the maximum impact with minimum effort and all being within the legal framework. Otherwise, there is no difference between us and the lawbreakers. We should also encourage non-Pakistanis to learn more about the country and recruit them to support our cause.

Therefore, we should be involved in activities that may assist in educating the common person that the actual issues that plague Pakistan, and emphasize that it suffers from inept and corrupt leadership. Here is what I would recommend one should do.

For those, who are too busy to take time out, can still participate by doing some of the following tasks.

Simple tasks that anyone can do, with no time available

• Join online groups on social networking websites


• Sign online petitions


• Spread the message among friends (Pakistanis and others)


• Talk positively about the crisis and ask for assistance from friends


• Write a blog about your experiences. Or if you do not have a blog, try writing a note in your facebook or something similar.


• Share your opinion (even one paragraph) on any popular website. So that others know that the cause has many supporters.

A bit more time for activities

• Call your local state representative in the congress Congress/Senate and ask what is their stance on the recent crisis in Pakistan?


• Ask them to raise and discuss this issue in congress.


• Ask them not to impose sanctions on the country as it will hurt the poor, rather impose sanctions on individuals who violate human rights.

Dedicated time for activities

• Initiate a physical gathering of like minded individuals who might have joined the electronic groups based on the cause.


• Speak about the issue in detail


• Educate the people concerned about the cause


• Come up with unique strategies to resolve the crisis


• Join organizations that work for the cause. Maybe, restoration of democracy.


• Get internationally recognized speakers to speak at your forum (Hoover institute at stanford, or JFK School of Govt at Harvard or something similar maybe)


In addition, one can always participate in protest marches and demonstrations taking place in your neighborhood.