Pakistan has provided shelter to Afghans for more than three decades, which is the longest in history
BAJAUR AGENCY: The issue of deporting Afghans is gaining popularity. Much has been written and spoken regarding the history and consequences of Afghan refugees into Pakistan. Recently, I came across an argument posed by an Afghan brother that Pakistan receives about $133 million per annum from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and Pakistanis have no credentials to pass statements against Afghans. Let me remind such people that the UNHCR is an international regime established under resolution of the United Nations — the same platform where Afghanistan voted against Pakistan’s entry — and its main purpose is to extend help to refugees. It is the responsibility of the UNHCR to provide support to refugees, whether in Pakistan or elsewhere. As long as refugees are here, the UNHCR will also be existent because it is the very duty of the UNHCR to relieve them of their miseries. It should be kept in mind, however, that the amount of money provided by the UNHCR is less than that spent by the government on refugees and that is the reason that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government spokesman Mushtaq Ghani considered them a burden on the economy.
Pakistan has provided shelter to Afghans for more than three decades, which is the longest in history. We still consider Afghans as our brothers and our goals, woes and enemy is more or less the same. United we stand, divided we fall. There are some forces, however, that are trying to change our commons to contrasts. The only way to avoid such an unpleasant phenomenon is to withdraw refugees.
Although it is clear and accepted by both Afghans and Pakistanis that there is disharmony in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, this disharmony cannot be cleared just by talking. The best action to enhance our relations is the safe return of refugees to their homes. This will provide us with the opportunity to boost our economy and apply counter-terror measures efficiently and effectively. In the same way, repatriated Afghans will offer their best to their country. They will remove the trust deficit and create safe, sound, positive and pro-Pakistani societies there. This way, strong and cordial relations can be established.
The refugees’ stay in Pakistan will propagate the blame game and it is not in the supreme interest of both countries. India is trying to fill the vacuum in Pak-Afghan relations, which is not in the best interest of either country. It is brotherly advice to our Afghan brethren that Pakistan is not in a position to serve you anymore. We have our own problems. We need space and time to solve them. Our tolerance level should not be provoked anymore and it is time you respected our sovereignty.
Allah Nawaz
Published in The Express Tribune, July 13th, 2016.
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