Why #PakistanUnderFascism is trending on Twitter in Pakistan?

The hashtag #PakistanUnderFascism is used on Twitter to express criticism and concerns about the political situation in Pakistan.

The hashtag is often used by people who believe that the country’s current government is becoming increasingly authoritarian and that its policies are undermining democratic values and human rights.

Some of the issues that are often raised in tweets using the #PakistanUnderFascism hashtag include media censorship as some Twitter users claim that the government is restricting the freedom of the press and that journalists critical of the government are being targeted.

Some tweets using the hashtag claim that human rights are being violated in Pakistan, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture along with claims that opposition politicians and activists are being targeted and silenced, with some being arrested and charged with sedition.

After government efforts to detain former prime minister Imran Khan or his allies, the hashtag quickly gained widespread popularity. In Pakistan, the hashtag frequently appears in the top ten trending hashtags.

Imran Khan’s political activities have been restricted or put on hold ever since he was removed as prime minister by unannounced government policy. He has been accused of several offenses, including sedition, terrorism, and inciting mutiny.

Imran Khan’s pledge to protest the PDM-led administration in 2022 gave rise to the hashtag. Social media responded to photos and videos using this hashtag when police allegedly assaulted PTI protesters in Lahore and Islamabad.

The #PakistanUnderFascism hashtag gained momentum once more when the present administration repeatedly attempted to arrest Imran Khan by using the police force. After Imran Khan’s announcement that he will begin his election campaign in Punjab for the elections that ECP has said will take place on April 30, it has become popular.

Several users who follow this trend are dubious about the PTI being unfairly targeted by the law and the government while other parties are free to conduct public rallies and campaigns.

PTI on its first election campaign day was brutally handled by police, which resulted in the death of one of the party’s supporters Ali Bilal (Zille Shah). However, the interim Punjab government and other officials denied the murder and termed it an accident.

Here are a few tweets used under this hashtag:

A user stated that human rights organizations must act to protect basic human rights while mentioning UN HRC, Amnesty, and Declaracion.

A Twitter user called out double standards of media coverage.

A social media user mentioned that the fascist regime in Pakistan is beating up innocent people for participating in a Political rally.

A user stated that these crimes are a clear violation of international human rights law and undermine the rule of law in Pakistan.

https://twitter.com/MacMax786/status/1634048285290758149

The users of this hashtag are outspoken against public repression, particularly against Imran Khan and PTI supporters. This trend has millions of tweets and reaches worldwide.