These are my thoughts on what Overseas Pakistanis can do. Work in progress. Pls share your feedback
What actions can I take?
In the west, reach out to your elected representatives /UNHRC/Amnesty/HRW
Write Emails/Letters. You can do that at this link
Follow Up with calls, ask for an in-person meeting
In the meeting, do highlight the situation in Pakistan
Human Right Violations (UN Declaration of Human Rights)
Article 19: Right to freedom of opinion and expression
Article 18: Freedom of religion or belief
Article 3: Right to life
Our fight for true democracy
Internal and External Peace
In the meeting request action:
Can they put out a letter or (social media post)
Asking the Government of Pakistan to respect civil liberties and not use blasphemy bookings as a tool to endanger the life of political opponents.
Which forums can they raise this on?
Can they refer the matter to the relevant committee in Parliament/Congress?
Can they write a letter to the UN rapporteurs:
The special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression (pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 34/18)
The special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief (pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 40/10)
The special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 35/15)
Engage Other Leaders
Engage with leaders (political or otherwise) who don't believe in the hegemony of any one country and are against foreign interference.
Ask for support, statements
Some examples can be:
US
Bernie Sanders
Ilhan Omar
Rashida Harbi Tlaib
Ro Khanna
Nina Turner
UK
Jeremy Corby
….
Canada
…
Build the narrative
Write articles/Op-Eds/letters to editors
Engage with prominent academics
Encourage them to write about the change regime operation and fight for true democracy in Pakistan
Take a local friend to your protests
Hire a lobbyist/consultants
Work with them to devise a roadmap & execute it.
Engage Podcasters/alt media. Some examples are:
US
Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar
Krystal Kyle & Friends
Amy Goodman (Democracy Now)
Joe Rogan
Rania Khalek
Kim Iverson
UK
George Galloway
…..
References
In his recent Vlogs, Moeed Pirzada is putting out good ideas on what actions Diaspora can take and the huge impact they can make. One such video
Thanks Salman, just suggestion please if we may develop an app to consolidate and engage community as well as activists, can get an idea from "Global Citizen" app, an action to be taken over intervals be it using socials, tweeting, sending emails (ready content/ or in own words) or calling local/ international leaders.. useful tool to amplify the concern. Wishing you all happiness.