DAWN Editorials - 12th April 2025

[zarnishhayat]

Stranded Afghans

WESTERN countries have been quite cruel to the Afghan people. Not only did they lay waste to the latter’s homeland over a war that ultimately went nowhere, but they are also failing to take responsibility for the lives they placed at risk during the process of attempting to ‘rebuild’ Afghanistan.

This, of course, is a reference to the many Afghans awaiting their promised repatriation to various Western countries. They have been stranded for years in Pakistan because states that once promised them asylum in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions have been taking their sweet time processing their visa applications.


These refugees face certain risks to their lives and liberty if they return to Afghanistan: their past work for various Western governments and organisations has seen them branded as ‘traitors’ in their country. Those risks have increased considerably of late, as Pakistan has adopted a ‘no concessions’ policy towards Afghan nationals.

It is deeply disappointing that the countries responsible for these refugees’ plight have not shown more urgency in addressing their condition. One wonders if there is any concern about the message being sent by their complacency. They seem to be telling the Afghan people that, no matter where they stood during the so-called war on terror, they were, ultimately, dispensable to Western nations.

One wonders what the Afghans make of their situation: after all, the forces that went into Afghanistan presented themselves as more ‘moral’, more ‘civilised’ and more concerned with ‘human rights’ than the ‘barbarians’ they meant to defeat. Once their long campaign fizzled out though, it seemed only those Afghans who had kept their distance, or those who sided with the ‘enemy’, were the ones who came out on top. The rest had to flee for their lives and seek the charity of other nations.

The countries who pledged their support to them must do better. Pakistan has already made it clear that it is no longer hospitable to Afghan nationals. Though Islamabad must show more flexibility towards refugees who face risks to life and liberty in case of deportation, the other nations responsible for their well-being should also be pushed to step up and expedite their repatriation.


The Afghan people cannot be treated like a football that is kicked around while nations bicker over visa protocols and policies. They deserve safety, stability and a chance to rebuild their lives.

It is both unfair and dangerous that the Afghan people’s immediate well-being has been left entirely to Pakistan to consider, while other nations have been taking years figuring out whether or not they will do right by those whom they promised safety and security. Whatever their concerns, they can be addressed once these refugees are relocated to less hostile locations.

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2025


Peaceful protest

A CONCLAVE of local divines that had gathered in Islamabad on Thursday have made two important points: firstly, that all protests and boycotts in support of the besieged Palestinians should remain peaceful, and secondly, that the Muslim world should take collective action to stop the genocide in Gaza. Mufti Taqi Usmani observed that “do protest and boycott, but peacefully”. This message is important because over the past few days, mobs have attacked several Western fast-food outlets in Lahore as well as Karachi and other Sindh towns, apparently due to the perception that these brands ‘support’ Israel. However, vandalism is not the way to express solidarity with Palestine. It is a fact that many MNCs — including Big Tech firms — have financially and otherwise supported Israel. But violent attacks on foreign brands in Pakistan will hardly end the genocide. Instead, a more intelligent way for those looking to stand with Palestine would be to follow the guidelines of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. Rather than randomly boycotting firms believed to be aiding Israel, BDS targets those companies with “a record of complicity in Israeli apartheid”. This can include firms involved in illegal Israeli settlements, or those that have made donations to Tel Aviv’s military. The boycott of apartheid South Africa worked, and conscientious people worldwide should also shun Israel and its allies until the genocide in the occupied territories is permanently halted.

As for the other point made by the clerics, sadly, the Muslim world has done very little of substance to stop the massacre in Gaza, allowing Israel to ramp up its campaign of extermination in the Strip, and also attacking Syria and Lebanon. Calls for unity are important, but the Muslim world is characterised by intense internal division, and the lack of a cohesive policy to stop the war on the Palestinian people. The sad fact is that Muslim-majority countries have been unable to leverage their collective economic and political clout. Other than making sympathetic statements, the OIC has not been able to enforce a trade blockade against Israel, while Muslim states that have diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv have not felt it necessary to break off ties until the bloodshed in Gaza stops. Israel knows how weak and divided the Muslim world is, hence it sees no reason to stop the murder.

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2025


Squash hopes

IT was a monumental triumph: Noor Zaman came back from the brink to clinch the Under-23 World Squash Championships title, and in the process, revitalised hopes for the sport in Pakistan. This was the first time the World Squash Federation, the game’s global governing body, held an event for the age group. Noor’s 3-2 victory against Karim El Torkey gave the tournament hosts — holding a world championship for the first time in 20 years — a lot to celebrate. The grandson of squash great Qamar Zaman, Noor’s win qualifies him for this year’s PSA World Championships — the sport’s elite tournament. Alongside Hamza Khan, who ended Pakistan’s 37-year wait for the World Junior Squash Championship in 2023, Noor is part of Pakistan’s next generation of promising talent. Not since Jansher Khan triumphed in 1996 has Pakistan seen a world champion; but with Noor, Hamza and Mohammad Ammad — who won the consolation final at the Under-23 championships — there is genuine hope for the drought to end. But how to make that hope a reality? The onus falls on the Pakistan Squash Federation to help the players reach their full potential. In the past several decades, Pakistan has seen many talents fall by the wayside. But the emergence of the current crop presents Pakistan with a new opportunity to return to the top. Opportunities and support for these players should not be lacking at any level.

Due attention also needs to be paid to the women’s game in the country. The Under-23 Championships also provided Pakistan its first-ever women’s tournament where Amna Fayyaz grabbed a silver medal after her loss in the consolation final. With better training and more exposure, Pakistan’s players will do well. Noor’s win is a timely boost for the country ahead of the 2028 Olympics, where squash will feature for the first time. It is a great opportunity for Pakistan, once undisputed kings of world squash, and they should not squander it.

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2025