- Pakistan extends deportation deadline for Afghans, raising concerns about their treatment and adherence to founding principles.
- Nationalism is haram. Furthermore unity in the ummah is imperative, particularly during these unprecedented times. Prophet Muhammad (saw’s) hadith states that the believers are one interconnected body.
The esteemed Pakistani scholar, the late Dr. Israr Ahmed (May Allah have mercy on him), frequently addressed the condition of Pakistan, emphasising its immense potential to emerge as a leader of the ummah and a champion of Islam. Moreover, he lamented Pakistan’s squandering of its tremendous potential.
Translation:
Dr Israr Ahmed: “Those who divided India did so in the name of Islam, and after 57 years, nothing transformative has really happened. The same Islam that exists in India is present in Pakistan. You go to the mosque, just like us. But we were supposed to show the world about Islam. Pakistan was envisioned for so much more. Perhaps, in time, Allah will forgive us for our sins, like the people of Yunus AS, and Pakistan will embody true Islam one day."
It’s truly disheartening that Pakistan, as a state founded on Islamic principles, has not significantly contributed to the welfare of the ummah at large or been a pioneer for Muslims. Instead, it remains stagnant in its subservience to the West.
Translation:
IK: What is the meaning of Pakistan? Crowd: Laillaha illaha illallah IK: What is my relationship with you? Crowd: Laillaha illallah
This rallying slogan, reverberating across the nation during ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s rallies, finds its roots in the words of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the visionary founder of Pakistan.
Pakistan has been renowned historically for its gutter politics. Prominent news stations, such as ‘ARY News’ and ‘Bol’ invite panel guests from acting and opposing parties to lambast one another publicly over personal issues and alike. However, it is clear to see that those who will, and have always suffered the most from corrupt leadership in Pakistan and the ummah by and large are the general public and those in dire poverty.
In what manner can Pakistan exemplify Jinnah’s vision as a trailblazer for the ummah if it persistently grapples with internal issues and succumbs to external pressures, particularly from America?
Pictured: Mohammed Ali Jinnah
Surrounding nations often feel a strong affiliation to Pakistan due to historical and pre-partition ancestral ties, and aspirations for a united identity based on Islam. For example, numerous Kashmiris aspire to be part of Pakistan, while Afghans, particularly of Pashtun ethnicity, have family connections that span both sides of the border.
The question arises: Have the principles that Muhammad Ali Jinnah spoke of, the quest for a separate state for Muslims in the subcontinent, been adhered to in Pakistan? The slogan implies that anyone embracing La ilaha illallah should be embraced as well.
And as Muslims it is imperative to speak out against injustice even if it is against ourselves, Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah An-Nisa (4:135):
"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted."
Injustice against Afghans
Today, a severe injustice is unfolding against Afghans who have established their homes and livelihoods in Pakistan.
The recent development reveals that the extension of the deadline, now stretching from the end of this year to February 29, is part of Pakistan’s initiative to expel over one million foreigners residing in the country without proper documentation.
According to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), over 450,000 people have returned to neighboring Afghanistan since the deportation campaign began in early October. The interior ministry had established a hotline for Pakistanis to report “illegal foreigners”.
As reported by a United Nations spokesperson:
“Afghan returnees, cramped into narrow mountains between Pakistan and Afghanistan, endure dire conditions on the roadside. Once across the border, they wait for overwhelmed local authorities to register and transport them to makeshift camps”.
Is this the conduct we, as Muslims, should exhibit towards one another?
The Pakistani government claims that 90% returned “voluntarily”. However, the UNHCR reports that fear of arrest was the primary reason cited by those leaving.
In announcing the extension, interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi stated that overstaying beyond the new deadline would result in a $100 monthly fine, capped at $800.
This decision followed a visit by US State Department officials to address the Afghan refugee issue, with an estimated 25,000 Afghans seeking resettlement in the United States.
Pakistan estimates that over 1.7 million undocumented Afghan nationals have long resided in the country, with the majority arriving since the Soviet invasion in 1979. The most recent influx, involving an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 people, occurred two years ago.
Pakistani authorities attribute the deportation drive to a surge in violence, citing over 600 attacks in the first 11 months of 2023. Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti claimed that Afghan nationals were responsible for 14 out of 24 suicide attacks during that period. However no evidence has ever been provided to support these claims.
Pakistan announced measures to confiscate money and property of illegal foreigners and take punitive action against locals supporting them.
Nationalism is Haram. We are one body!
Amidst the recent events in Gaza, the imperative for the ummah’s unity is more pronounced than ever. However, Pakistan and other Muslim nations find themselves ensnared in the grip of nationalism. The realisation of our boundless potential lies in achieving true unity upon the principles of Islam.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), said:
"The believers, in their mutual mercy, love, and compassion, are like one body; if one part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in pain and fever."
This Hadith emphasises the unity and interconnectedness of the Muslim community, highlighting the importance of empathy, support, and solidarity among believers.
