The Beyond Boundaries II delegates of Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Committee (PAJC) held a meeting with federal minister for SAFRON, Lt. Gen. (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch, on Friday October 21, 2016, at the SAFRON Ministry, accompanied by the CRSS and WPSO representatives. The Chief Commissioner Afghan Refugees, Mr. Imran Zeb Khan also attended the meeting. Mr. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director CRSS briefed Baloch on the project and PAJC meeting held in Lahore on October 19, 2016, giving a rundown of the issues that were discussed between the groups, highlighting that Afghan Refugees was a key issue discussed, also informing that the groups have formulated policy recommendations from the discussions on important bilateral issues, which will be shared with the Minister.
Minister Baloch welcomed the delegations stating that in his opinion this is a most desired initiative because the two countries have to coexist. He termed the Afghan members as extremely important delegation that he has met in recent days, saying that he was happy to listen to them and share his and the government’s viewpoint with them. He said unfortunately at state level there has been a deadlock in the bilateral talks between the two countries, but initiatives like Beyond Boundaries with the presence of high level delegates is a timely intervention, as in the absence of formal dialogue through this platform the individuals were able to tackle problems that require concerted efforts.
Ms.Elay Ershad, member of Afghan parliament introduced the Afghan delegation and informed the minister that recently there are unfortunate and bitter stories circulating in Afghanistan on the harsh treatment being met out to the refugees, which include police harrasement and arrests, as well as repatriation of those Afghans who have established links and businesses in Pakistan.
Ms. Wazhma Frogh, another Afghan delegate added that bitter stories will empower only those who want to fuel conflict, whereas Afghans had excellent support and sweet memories of their stay here.
Baloch said that we are committed to safeguarding the refugees, they are our ambassadors; we would not like them to go back in bad taste. He said that there might be bitter stories but in reality they are isolated cases, and even Prime Minister Sharif was upset with the news of harassment of refugees, and has asked his ministry to give recommendations in the next cabinet meeting on all the problems being faced by the refugees. “We cannot afford to let the act of one or some individuals make hostage the cause of refugees”, he pointed out.
Baloch told the groups that they have already drafted these recommendations including citizenry rights, investments and established business protection, taking care of students, and those who have family ties here with local Pakistanis. He noted: “if a foreigner from any other country can invest and then live in Pakistan, why not Afghans”. He informed the Afghan group: “we have also recommended that because of the harsh winter conditions the repatriation of refugees should be suspended between December 31, 2016 and March 01, 2017”.
The PAJC members thanked the minister and his team for meeting with the groups for a candid and open minded discussion, and in the end Dr. Shoaib Suddle, head of the Pakistan delegation presented him with the policy recommendations of their first meeting.