ISLAMABAD: A significant chunk of Pakistan’s population fears political violence in the country within the foreseeable future, as shown by the results of an international survey released by a United States-based grantmaking network on Monday that supports civil society organizations across the world.
Founded by a prominent Hungarian-American businessman George Soros, Open Society Foundations seeks to develop and advance robust systems of justice, education, public health and independent media.
Its annual global survey, Open Society Barometer, was conducted between May 1 and July 21, 2023, wherein it interviewed over 36,000 respondents across 30 countries to determine the state of democracy and human rights in different regions of the world.
Among some of its findings, the survey showed that young people around the world did not display a great deal of faith in democracy, with over a third of respondents between 18 and 35 years supportive of a strong leader who could do away with legislatures and elections.
“Respondents demonstrated a widespread fear of political unrest leading to violence,” the survey report noted. “A global majority of 58 percent – and majorities in 21 of the countries polled – agreed with the statement ‘I fear that political unrest in my country could lead to violence in the next year.’”
“Fear was highest in South Africa and Kenya (79 percent), Colombia (77 percent), Nigeria (75 percent), Senegal (74 percent), and Argentina and Pakistan (both 73 percent),” it added.
Open Society Foundations noted the gravest threat democracy faced did not emanate from rival appeal of authoritarianism but rather the question of whether democratic leaders were capable of delivering for their populations.
“People want to believe in open societies in which checks on power, pluralistic and independent institutions, minority protections, and individual rights enable all to participate,” it maintained.
According to the report, 79 percent Pakistanis also said it was important to them to live in a country that was democratically governed.
However, only 56 percent of them believed that democracy was preferable to any other kind of government in the country, which was less than 62 percent of global average.
Pakistan has witnessed significant political and economic uncertainty for a prolonged period.
The country is moving toward general elections which are likely to be held in the beginning of the next year, though it has also witnessed greater political polarization than the past since the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan in a no-trust vote last year in April.
Over 70% Pakistanis fear political violence in foreseeable future — international survey
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Over 70% Pakistanis fear political violence in foreseeable future — international survey
- Open Society Foundations says 79 percent Pakistanis find it important to live in a democratically governed country
- The US-based organization says people widely wonder if democratic leaders are capable of delivering for their populations
Pakistan’s Punjab deports more than 31,000 Afghans under nationwide removal campaign
- Police say hundreds more Afghans remain in holding centers as repatriation process continues
- Pakistan has expelled over 1.5 million Afghans since launching the drive campaign in late 2023
ISLAMABAD: Police in Pakistan’s Punjab province said on Saturday they have deported more than 31,000 Afghan nationals living in various districts without legal documentation, as authorities continue a sweeping campaign to expel such people.
Pakistan launched its nationwide deportation drive in late 2023, ordering all “illegal immigrants,” mostly Afghan nationals, to leave the country. The decision was taken after a series of deadly suicide attacks in which the government said Afghan nationals were involved. Kabul denied its citizens were involved in the bombings, describing Pakistan’s security challenges as its own internal issue.
Last month, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said Islamabad had repatriated over 1.5 million Afghan citizens since November 2023.
“The Punjab Police have so far deported 31,377 Afghans among other illegally residing foreign nationals from Lahore and across the province,” the law enforcement agency said in a statement.
“Another 203 undocumented individuals are currently present in holding points,” it added.
The statement did not specify the period in which these people were rounded up and sent back to their home countries.
According to the statement, the deportees include 11,576 men, 6,679 women and 13,133 children.
Police said those removed comprised individuals with partial documentation such as proof of residence (10,043 people), Afghan Citizen Cards (11,067) and those found to be living illegally (10,267).
“There are five holding centers in Lahore and 46 across the province,” the statement said.
The province’s top cop, Inspector-General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar, said security had been heightened to ensure the removal of undocumented foreign nationals.
“Punjab Police is implementing the policy for the evacuation of illegally residing foreigners under international laws,” he said. “Human rights are being fully taken into account during the process.”
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghans since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, but deteriorating security concerns and strained relations with Kabul have led Islamabad to initiate the latest deportation campaign, which rights groups have criticized as abrupt and lacking adequate safeguards.
