Islamabad: A demand for a high-level investigation has emerged on serious allegations related to alleged illegal movement, smuggling, human trafficking, illegally residing Afghans and financing of terrorism on the Pak-Afghan border. In this regard, a formal request has been sent to President Asif Ali Zardari, raising important questions about national security, border surveillance, and the performance of relevant institutions.
Petitioner has said in his position that there are reports of illegal activities, organized smuggling and illegal movement in some areas of the Pak-Afghan border for a long time, while concerns have also been expressed about the alleged involvement of some Afghan residents in various illegal activities. The petition argues that it is necessary to impartially investigate these matters and bring the facts before the public.
The petition, focusing on the Bab-e-Dosti Chaman area, has argued that illegal movement and smuggling activities have been going on there for the past several years through various methods. The petitioner has demanded that the relevant authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the border crossings, movement records, surveillance systems and the role of alleged facilitators.
Another important issue raised in the petition is the alleged links between some Afghans illegally residing in Pakistan and terrorist organizations.
In this regard, an investigation has been sought into the allegations of possible financial and other support being provided to other terrorist elements, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to the petitioner, the relevant security and investigative agencies should work together to find out the truth of these allegations.
The petition also refers to a case related to the FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Karachi.
According to the petition, the available documents and information mention alleged activities related to illegally residing Afghans, while it has also been claimed that an inquiry has been initiated in the FIA and the names of some officers and officials have come to light. The petitioner has demanded clarification of the real situation of the matter by verifying the relevant inquiry, FIR, and other official records.
The petitioner says that the funds obtained through alleged illegal activities, financial transactions, suspicious business dealings and possible facilitation aspects should be investigated to know whether the funds obtained from illegal sources are being used to finance terrorism or other organized crimes.
The petition has also taken the position that the issue of the activities of any organized illegal network continuing for a long time without the possible negligence or alleged connivance of the relevant government agencies cannot be ignored.
However, the final determination of the involvement of any officer or official in this regard will be possible only after evidence and a transparent investigation.
The petitioner has demanded from the President that a comprehensive investigation be conducted into the matter through the relevant institutions, the records of people and vehicles coming and going to Bab Dosti Chaman during the last one year, CCTV footage, gate entry, approach and other relevant documents be reviewed.
In addition, separate investigations should be conducted on the allegations of illegally residing Afghan nationals, alleged facilitators, human trafficking and terrorism financing.
The petition also demands that if evidence of involvement in illegal activities against any government officer, official, businessman or other person comes to light during the investigation, action should be taken against him according to the law.
Importantly, copies of the petition have also been sent to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Federal Interior Minister, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Director General Military Intelligence (MI), Chief of General Staff (CGS), Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Director General FIA Islamabad.
It now remains to be seen whether the relevant agencies take notice of the serious questions raised in this petition, and whether a transparent and impartial investigation is initiated into the allegations of alleged illegal activities, smuggling, human trafficking and terror financing on the Pak-Afghan border.