In a recent Podcast at NHS Media Dr. Qamar Cheema addressed the issue of Forced Repatriation of Afghan Refugees and the state of Pakistan-Afghan ties. He expressed his disagreement with the perception of Pakistan’s geostrategic importance, particularly in the context of the current situation involving the attempted repatriation of Afghan refugees.
Key Points:
- Pakistan should prioritize its national interests over humanitarian considerations when dealing with the issue of accommodating illegal refugees, regardless of their cultural or geographical proximity.
- There must be a reevaluation of diplomatic relationships between Pakistan and Afghanistan in light of contemporary realities, proactive measures, such as the control of extremist organizations by Afghanistan and a departure from traditional policies of non-interference should be taken.
Dr. Cheema highlighted the unfortunate stance taken by some Afghan officials, specifically a statement from Afghan minister Mullah Hassan Akhund. This statement accused Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Military leadership of harassment and increasing hardships for Afghan refugees, despite their illegal status in Pakistan. The Afghan Minister conveyed a threat, implying that Pakistan should be prepared for consequences instead of cooperating in the repatriation process. Dr. Cheema emphasized that harboring illegal refugees, regardless of nationality, is a matter of national interest and not a gesture of goodwill, even in the context of religious or neighboring affiliations.
He argued against the idea that being a Muslim country or a neighboring nation automatically implies a duty to accommodate refugees. Instead, he stressed the importance of a nation prioritizing its national interests, citing the rarity of countries allowing illegal migrants to stay. This misplaced notion, he argued, tarnishes a country’s image.
Dr. Cheema drew attention to the irony that while many Pakistanis reside illegally in various parts of the world and are often deported, Pakistan has accommodated Afghan refugees for an extended period, yet now faces blame for repatriation efforts.
He supported the current actions of the Pakistani government regarding repatriation, attributing blame to previous governmental policies that neglected national interests. He criticized the self-serving nature of leadership, suggesting that Afghanistan’s blaming of Pakistan for its policies reflects ingratitude rather than acknowledging years of accommodation.
Dr. Cheema raised concerns about Afghan refugees benefiting from taxpayer money in Pakistan, while locals struggle to access similar facilities. He criticized this discrepancy and stressed that Pakistan has not always acted favorably towards Afghanistan, particularly due to its economic struggles and lack of political stability, which limits its ability to manage the fallout from the Afghan situation.
He warned that the repercussions of Afghanistan’s instability could lead to increased attacks in Pakistan, especially in regions close to the Afghan border. Dr. Cheema highlighted the issue of extremist groups, including the TTP, obtaining extortion funds from Pakistan, which further victimizes the country due to the ongoing turmoil in Afghanistan.
In conclusion, Dr. Cheema emphasized that Pakistan needs to reassess its relationship dynamics and realize the adverse impact of its ties with Afghanistan over the past 50 years. He urged a pragmatic approach to address the current situation, calling for Afghanistan to control its terrorist organizations. He highlighted the necessity for Pakistan to abandon its historical policy of silence concerning Afghanistan and take more decisive action in light of the current circumstances.
