SNP MSP Bashir Ahmad today called on the Scottish Parliament to show its support for the Pakistani Community in Glasgow and those in Pakistan campaigning for democracy following the declaration of emergency rule by President Musharraf on November 3rd.

Mr Ahmad, Scotland’s only Asian MSP condemned the failure of the UK Government to speak out against emergency rule and contrasted the vocal opposition of the UK Government to events in Burma with the delayed reaction to events in Pakistan.
 

 Speaking to Parliament Mr Ahmad said: "Over 3000 people were arrested by President Musharraf following the declaration of emergency rule – all for wanting a democratic Pakistan. Many people in Glasgow have family members in Pakistan, arrested for no apparent reason.

"I have talked with my fellow Glasgow Pakistanis. The feeling of resentment is not only directed at President Musharraf, but also at the UK Government’s response, or lack of it, to what has happened.

"A state of emergency was declared and the Foreign Office simply ‘expressed grave concern’.  Of all international reactions this was almost the weakest.

"Pakistan, as in Burma, saw thousands of innocent protestors arrested. In Pakistan, as in Burma, the media has been suppressed.

"But the reactions have been completely different.  In the case of Pakistan, there was no speech from Gordon Brown.

"No immediate calls to reverse the emergency rule. No calls for democracy to be restored.

"Only after Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth was such an overdue call made.

"The glaring double standard shown by the UK Government and the Foreign Office in this case is deeply concerning to many Pakistani’s in Glasgow.

"The Scottish Parliament has its own international voice.  We are heard and recognised around the world.  I call on all those in Parliament to join me in calling for Pakistan’s original judiciary to be reinstated.

"All political prisoners released.

"Free and fair elections held.

"And the basic democratic freedoms in regards to speech, assembly and the press restored without delay."