The recent incident in Brampton, Canada, where Liberal MP Ruby Sahota was heckled and forced to leave an event organized by Pakistan-origin businessman Tanveer Malik, raises serious concerns about the harassment faced by Sikh MPs in Canada. This incident not only highlights the deep divisions within the Pakistani diaspora but also exposes the increasing targeting of Sikh MPs by factions of this community who are aligned with Pakistan’s military establishment.
Ruby Sahota, a respected Liberal MP from Brampton North, was invited as the chief guest at an event sponsored by World Trade Developers Inc. However, her presence and speech were cut short by hostile attendees, who heckled her off the stage. The reason for their aggression? Sahota had recently presented a petition in the Canadian House of Commons, calling attention to the ongoing democratic and human rights violations in Pakistan, including the controversial role of Pakistan’s military. The petition, backed by members of the Pakistani diaspora who support former Prime Minister Imran Khan, rightly demanded accountability and transparency from the Pakistani government and military.
Sahota’s petition echoed concerns many share about the state of Pakistan, where political instability and corruption, particularly within the military, have pushed the country into economic and social crisis. Yet, instead of being allowed to speak freely at the event, Sahota faced a calculated attack, driven by those unwilling to accept criticism of Pakistan’s military. They shouted her down, claiming she knew “nothing about Pakistan,” demanding an apology, and insisting she step down. Ultimately, Sahota was forced to leave, as were other prominent Liberal MPs in attendance, including Kamal Khera, Ikhwinder Gaheer, and Sonia Sidhu.
Candian parliament member Ruby Sahota bring a bill about the rule of law in Pakistan and the continuous fascism with Pti and Imran Khan.And also they added the ban of Pakistan military officials for intervention in politics and destabilizing of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/LCwqvJszjV
— Matin Khan (@matincantweet) September 24, 2024
This episode reveals an unsettling reality: the targeting of Sikh MPs who are perceived to be aligning with anti-Pakistani establishment sentiments. Sahota and her fellow MPs have long stood for values of democracy, human rights, and justice. In this case, their advocacy for democratic reforms in Pakistan has made them the target of intimidation by factions of the Pakistani diaspora who are loyal to Pakistan’s military.
The irony is profound. Canada, a bastion of free speech and democratic ideals, now witnesses attempts to silence elected officials who speak against oppression and corruption in other nations. Ruby Sahota’s petition was not an act of aggression against Pakistan but a call for accountability, urging the Canadian government to implement sanctions against corrupt military officials and to pressure Pakistan to hold free and fair elections. Her stance resonated with many Pakistani Canadians who are disillusioned by the state of their homeland. However, her advocacy has made her a target for those still loyal to Pakistan’s oppressive military regime.
It is no coincidence that this harassment is directed at Sikh MPs. Sikhs in Canada, many of whom represent diverse communities and stand for human rights globally, are seen as easy targets by the Pakistani diaspora. Sikh MPs, who have long championed causes of justice and transparency, are being vilified for speaking out against the very regime that has eroded Pakistan’s democracy.
This incident also highlights a disturbing trend within the Pakistani diaspora: the open confrontation between pro-Imran Khan factions and supporters of Pakistan’s military establishment. The fact that some members of the diaspora would go so far as to publicly heckle a sitting MP for presenting a petition critical of Pakistan’s military shows that these divisions are no longer confined to Pakistan’s borders. They are now spilling over into Canada’s political landscape, threatening the democratic fabric of the nation.
What happened in Brampton is a stark reminder that even in countries like Canada, where freedom of speech and democracy are held in high regard, attempts to suppress criticism of foreign regimes can still take place. It is also a warning that the Pakistani military establishment, through its loyalists, is attempting to exert pressure on Canadian lawmakers who refuse to ignore its abuses.
As Sikh MPs like Ruby Sahota continue to stand up for democratic principles, they must not be left to face this intimidation alone. Canadian society, the government, and the broader diaspora community must rally in support of these elected officials who are working to uphold the values of human rights, transparency, and democracy. The harassment of Sikh MPs by pro-Pakistani military factions cannot be allowed to go unchecked.
In the face of such hostility, Ruby Sahota’s courage is commendable. She is a voice for those who have long been silenced in Pakistan and beyond. But this incident should serve as a wake-up call for Canada. We cannot allow foreign divisions to take root in our democratic system. It is imperative that the Canadian government take a firm stand against such intimidation, ensuring that all MPs, regardless of their background, can carry out their duties without fear of harassment or retribution.
The targeting of Sikh MPs by elements of the Pakistani diaspora must be seen for what it is: an attempt to stifle democratic discourse and shield a corrupt regime from accountability. It is time for Canada to stand unequivocally with those who champion democracy, both at home and abroad.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
