The countrywide protests led by Khadim Hussain Rizvi’s Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) have entered into their third day. And while average Pakistanis are facing numerous hardships including a threat to their lives and security, the nation has not lost its sense of humor.
Pakistani social media is abuzz with scathing criticism against the controversial cleric and his supporters who have caused considerable damage to public property in the last three days. Frustrated with the unnecessary crises, many Pakistanis have taken refuge in humor. Memes and hilarious one-lines have become the first line of defense for those who are irked with the grim state of affairs but don’t know how to make things better.
Since the protests began on 31 October, Khadim Rizvi themed Halloween memes were certainly in order.
Pakistan celebrating Halloween to the extreme, All scary creatures are out on roads.#KhadimRizvi #Protest pic.twitter.com/hEub5uxSM5
— Waqas Muhammad (@Waqas9600) November 1, 2018
And all the credit of Halloween holidays goes to him, 😂😂😂 #HappyHalloween #WeStandWithKhan #KHIAlerts pic.twitter.com/UfsLVnPIVA
— Muhammad Tauheed (@callmetauheed) November 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/Aapaconda/status/1057530687719391233
One joke that is particularly doing rounds is about Khadim Rizvi being invited by the Saudis for negotiations at their Istanbul consulate.
Breaking News! Saudi's have invited Khadim Hussain Rizvi to their Turkish Counsulate for negotiations. @PTIofficial @fawadchaudhry @ImranKhanPTI
— Frieha Altaf (@FriehaAltaf) November 1, 2018
I would like to arrange negotiations between Khadim Hussain Rizvi and our Government at the Saudi Counselar’s House in Istanbul.
— Mir Mohammad Alikhan (@MirMAKOfficial) November 1, 2018
A recent video of Rizvi is also doing rounds in which he is explaining how TLP can sought Pakistan’s debt crisis and God knows his solution is GOLD…for those looking for a hearty laugh!
Karaz utaro 101. Only if Khadim Hussain Rizvi was the finance minister of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/RWI5W0qnPy
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) October 28, 2018
Some of Khadim Rizvi’s favourite words have also featured in wacky one-liners.
Khadim Hussain Rizvi & Co. Arrested in #OperationDalla
Hope to hear soon! 😁
— HAY (@yasiralihamza) November 1, 2018
But it’s not just Rizvi who’s the subject of Pakistani satire right now. The government of the day is also receiving its share of honorable mentions.
PTI Gov Right Now Be Like …#KhadimHussainRizvi pic.twitter.com/d1o5Gan1kt
— Marghuzar | مرغزار (@HKParas) November 1, 2018
Ahmer Naqvi’s interpretation of Rizvi’s recent tweet proclaiming TLP to be a “peaceful organization” was laugh-out-loud hilarious!
Me: o dallay o paadri o khanzeer in sab ko qatal Karo mulk bhar mei aag laga do pen di sirri…
Crush: I really don't like people who use foul language or believe in violence
— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) November 1, 2018
Since “shehar bund karwana” had been synonymous with Altaf bhai for almost three decades, the MQM leader and his contribution to chaos and crises was not forgotten.
Blast from the past pic.twitter.com/WLIkBroiPl
— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) November 1, 2018
While clerics have been threatening a bigger protest after the Jummah prayers, some Pakistanis are already busy praying…
https://twitter.com/Aapaconda/status/1058199900121456640