THE Islamic Republic of Pakistan holds the privilege and prerogative, as outlined in its Constitution and laws, to deport individuals who enter Pakistan without following legal protocols. It’s surprising that a significant number of refugees have illegally entered Pakistan, with a major portion coming from our neighbouring country, Afghanistan. Undoubtedly, Pakistan maintained friendly relations with them during the earlier Taliban rule, with many Pakistani volunteers participating in their struggle for freedom. However, the continuous and prolonged influx of Afghan refugees has become unreasonable in the aftermath.
The permission of influx of a formidable number of refugees has endangered the very security of Pakistan in addition to economic and social problems. At the same time the decision of one of the outgoing governments to release TTP terrorists from our jails was not adequately processed. As such hardened criminals escaped the grip and subsequently they were found involved in terrorist incidents. Besides, foreign hostile countries managed to insert their agents in the garb of refugees. The decision of Caretaker Government, on the initiative of the Army Chief, to repatriate Afghan nationals who had entered Pakistan without adhering to the principles of local and international laws is commendable. Earlier governments failed to realize the gravity of this lurking danger. The review of transit facility extended to Afghan government is also imperative as it paves the way for smuggling of currency and goods.
The performance of the Caretaker Government and the Army Chief regarding issues of security threats due to refugees and removing bottlenecks to achieve economic growth, deserve appreciation of the nation. The index of stock exchange has crossed the limit of 64000 unprecedented on 7-12-2023, and stability of our currency are proof of improvement. The acute issues which are disturbing the national security, economy, lack of confidence of the local and foreign investors, smuggling of currency and edible goods, have been effectively and seriously addressed and as a consequence positive response is discernible. Foreign investors demand the non-interference of our civil service and in case of dispute they seek to be allowed to invoke the jurisdiction of International Court of Justice as they lack confidence in our judicial system too. Our civil service is predominantly dictated by Administrative Service who are neither economists nor technical experts, rather they are simply protocol officers, hence the problem of red tapism, not acceptable to investors.
Recently, the Home Minister of Baluchistan stated in a press conference that each blue truck owned by smugglers paid one lac rupees to concerned Deputy Commissioner(s) for crossing his district. He also pointed out that blue trucks smuggling petroleum items from Iran border, were owned by youths of Baluchistan and that they had been impliedly allowed to earn their livelihood otherwise they would join negative forces. So to counter the evil of red tapism of our bureaucracy, an important institution of Special Investment Facilitation Council (S.I.F.C) has been set up in which role of the Army Chief is most significant . It will definitely bring Pakistan from dust to development. The SIFC has selected the sectors of mining, Information Technology and Agriculture-based industries on the basis of merit, keeping in view their potential in Pakistan.
Our energy requirements could be met by our brotherly countries Iran and Azerbaijan. Pakistan may endeavor to restore the confidence of Russia which can prove a better partner like our most trusted friend China. The efforts of China to bridge differences between two important Muslim countries Iran and Saudi Arabia has changed the scenario positively. It goes without saying that the media serves as a significant force and pillar of democracy. The management of Pakistan Observer notably published articles and editorials on CPEC, organizing seminars to commemorate a decade of celebrations. These efforts earned appreciation and goodwill from China towards Pakistan.
There is a prevailing sentiment among the public that Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir has made commendable contributions to the national cause. His words hold weight, evident in his impactful actions within a short year of his tenure. The armed forces, under his dynamic and dedicated leadership, exhibit visible implementation of decisions. Simultaneously, efforts for the welfare of the force are underway. The collaboration between the Caretaker Government and the Army Chief has instilled confidence in investors, resulting in imminent substantial investments.
The second important decision of repatriation of Afghan refugees is the call of the time. The stay of 40 lac of Afghan refugees for a long period of forty years has become an explosive device. A negligible political element is finding faults with the beneficial decisions. They seem to oppose because they have been exploiting bogus National Identity Card for their elections and for this petty objective they forget the supreme interest of Pakistan.
—The writer is Retired Additional Chief Secretary and Advocate Supreme Court of AJK.
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views expressed are writer’s own.
