Islamabad refuses acquiesce to Kabul’s demand of allowing through way to New Delhi via the Wahga Border. The decision to disallow land route from Afghanistan to India through Pakistan is a step in the right direction as it will open a new series of security concerns for the country.
Pakistan is, at this time not enjoying very cordial relations with these two neighbors and the security concerns in such an arrangement run too high. If at all such an arrangement has to be approved, Pakistan must levy heavy duties on the trading partners and use a fraction of it to strengthen security measures and another to pay Pakistan for the risk which will prevail as long as such an agreement is in place. Unless such an arrangement can e agreed upon and Pakistan itself is in a better position to manage its security concerns, this transit route should not be allowed to be used.
II.
Pakistan and the European Union are set to hold crucial negotiations on plans to send back illegal Pakistani migrants in Europe One of the most important concerns for the foreign office of Pakistan in the wake of the Paris attacks is that of the illegal immigrants. There are very large numbers of Pakistani immigrants in Europe who have settled illegally and could be involved in activities which are harmful for the host country, something which can severe the ties between Pakistan and the EU. It is very important, in the current scenario for Pakistan, to monitor the borders, illegal immigration consultants and ports to curb the number of illegal immigrants.
III.
FO denies presence of Daesh in Pakistan The narrative of the Pakistani government including the foreign office and the military against the presence of Islamic State in Pakistan comes up as firm but at the same time raises questions of authenticity. There has been questionable activity on the Western borders which the government statements have failed to explain. The government needs to give stronger reassurances to the people and the international community if there really is no presence of the IS in the country and present solid proofs. If the IS presence somehow is proved in Pakistan, the government’s credibility and ability to deal with threats will come under serious question.
IV.
ADB to provide Pakistan $800 million loan for energy sector The ADB funds received should be used to improve the energy sector in the most efficient way possible to make the loan worth the while. If not used in the most efficient way, this funding will become a liability for Pakistan. The government needs to establish stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that all external funding is spent in the best possible way so that at some point it can be minimized and Pakistan is able to sustain itself without the external funding.
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