Warning bells: ‘Harassment of Afghan nationals is inhuman’

PESHAWAR: The maltreatment of Afghan nationals by the police and personnel of other law-enforcement agencies is both inhuman and unjust and should be prevented at
all costs.

This was said by Awami National Party leader Sardar Hussain Babak and was mentioned in a press statement issued on Thursday. “Afghan nationals have been living in the country for the past 35 years,” he said. “An entire generation of Afghan nationals has been born in Pakistan and runs businesses in the country. According to Babak, Afghan nationals are being harassed through a cluster of raids, arrests and detentions.



“The government and local forces are actively trying to destroy businesses that Afghan nationals built,” the document cited Babak as saying. The ANP leader said such actions on the part of government are detrimental to international law. “At present, Afghanistan is passing through a crucial stage due to terrorism,” the statement cited him as saying. “Both Pakistan and Afghanistan face identical threats and challenges and leaders on both sides of the border need to develop trust and confidence. This could help them adopt a joint strategy.”

He urged the K-P government to review its policies towards Afghans and ensure safety to their lives, dignity and property. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2016.