August 28, 2024
Understanding the Scope of Transnational Repression
Transnational repression involves a government suppressing dissent among its citizens or residents abroad. Authoritarian regimes often use this tactic to control political opponents and activists, even when they live in other countries. The Pakistani government has increasingly employed this approach to silence critics, showing its readiness to cross international borders to suppress opposition. This strategy not only violates individual rights but also challenges the sovereignty of other nations by imposing control over their residents.
Salman Shabbir’s Activism Sparks a Response
Salman Shabbir, an Australian citizen of Pakistani descent, became a target of transnational repression for his political activism. Shabbir managed a Twitter account called Citizen Action, where he promoted democratic reforms in Pakistan. He circulated petitions urging the U.S. Congress and the European Union to take a stand against Pakistan’s human rights abuses. These petitions gained significant support and caught the attention of the Pakistani government, which saw Shabbir’s activism as a direct threat.
In retaliation, the Pakistani government launched a campaign of intimidation. In March, agents abducted Shabbir’s brother from his home in Pakistan. This abduction was part of a broader strategy to silence Shabbir and deter others from engaging in similar activities.
Abduction and Coercion: Tools of Intimidation
The abduction of Shabbir’s brother initiated a campaign of psychological and physical coercion. The day after the abduction, Shabbir received a phone call from his brother’s number. Initially relieved, Shabbir soon realized that his brother was being used to pressure him into stopping his political activities. The caller, representing the Pakistani state, ordered Shabbir to cease his involvement in Pakistani politics and threatened his brother’s safety if he did not comply.
This method demonstrates the brutal tactics used by the Pakistani government to suppress dissent. By targeting the family members of activists, the government seeks to instill fear and silence opposition. In Shabbir’s case, the threats escalated when the caller demanded access to his Twitter account credentials, which Shabbir refused. This refusal led to further threats and physical violence against his brother.
Physical Violence to Silence Critics
The Pakistani government’s strategy of transnational repression relies heavily on physical violence. During another phone call, Shabbir was forced to listen as his brother endured a beating. This explicit use of violence, combined with the psychological trauma of hearing his brother’s suffering, aimed to break Shabbir’s will. The caller warned that the violence would continue unless Shabbir agreed to delete his tweets and halt his activism.
This approach is not just brutal but also serves as a dire warning to others. By using Shabbir and his family as an example, the Pakistani government aims to deter others from speaking out against its policies. The use of fear as a tool to silence critics is characteristic of authoritarian regimes, and Pakistan is no exception.
A Pattern of Government Repression
The experience of Salman Shabbir is not an isolated case. Numerous individuals have reported similar incidents of repression and violence. For instance, Salman Ahmad, a Pakistani-American musician and activist, faced threats and violence directed at his family because of his political stance. Likewise, Wajahat Khan, a journalist in the United States, experienced surveillance and threats due to his reporting on Pakistani politics. These cases reveal a pattern of behavior by the Pakistani government, extending its reach beyond its borders to target dissidents globally.
Exposing the Corruption in Targeting Dissidents and Their Families
The Pakistani government’s strategy of targeting dissidents and their families reveals deep-seated corruption within its political and security systems. This approach shows a blatant disregard for international norms and laws to control political discourse both domestically and internationally. By abducting and torturing family members of critics, the government demonstrates its contempt for basic human rights and the rule of law. This behavior not only damages Pakistan’s international reputation but also underscores the lengths to which the government will go to silence opposition and maintain its grip on power.
Pakistan’s Actions Reflect U.S. Influence
The actions of the Pakistani government in targeting dissidents abroad reflect practices they have likely adopted from their close partnership with the United States, particularly in security matters. Following the September 11 attacks, the U.S. government authorized Pakistan’s security services to carry out detentions and abductions on its behalf, targeting individuals suspected of terrorism without regard for legal norms. These tactics, endorsed and funded by the United States, have enabled Pakistani security forces to develop and refine methods of transnational repression.
It should come as no surprise that Pakistan has continued these practices, now applying them to their critics and political opponents around the world. The Pakistani government has learned from the best, using the tools and tactics initially provided by its American allies. This alignment of methods shows a troubling continuity: the extrajudicial strategies once employed in the name of counterterrorism are now being used to stifle dissent and maintain control. By following the example set by the United States, Pakistan has not only embraced these repressive tactics but also perpetuated a cycle of violence.
Acknowledgment: This article is based on the work from DropSite News, specifically the reporting by Ryan Grim and Murtaza Hussain in “AUDIO: Harrowing Phone Calls Expose Global Campaign of Repression.“
