Islamabad, August 20-- The wave of student protests that recently shook Bangladesh has reverberated across the border into Pakistan, where demonstrators are calling for the fall of the government and the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Pakistani media reports indicate that the student movement in Bangladesh, which led to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina's government, has significantly influenced Pakistani students. Inspired by their Bangladeshi counterparts, Pakistani protesters have adopted similar tactics and symbols. Streets in Pakistan are adorned with Bengali slogans and red-green flags, and students are seen marching with both Pakistani and Bangladeshi flags.
The Pakistani Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has questioned the religious identity of the protesters, suggesting that they do not represent true Muslim values. This has added a layer of controversy to the ongoing protests.
On Friday, the student wing of Pakistan's main opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), launched a campaign to restore the country's constitution and reinvigorate student unions. The Pakistan Students Federation has also issued an ultimatum for Imran Khan's release by August 30.
The parallels between the student movements in Bangladesh and Pakistan highlight the regional influence of political activism and the shared aspirations of young people across South Asia.
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