Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan
Bio
Journalist Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan: Social Guardian & Humanitarian. Dedicated to truth and justice, he explores complex social issues and historical narratives to bring clarity. Aiming to bridge the gap between information and empathy.
Stories (10)
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Italy's big announcement for Pakistan: 10,500 skilled workers to be issued work permits . AI-Generated.
Rome: A significant development has emerged in high-level diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Italy, where after a detailed meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in the Italian capital Rome, it was announced that Italy will issue work permits to a total of 10,500 Pakistani skilled workers to promote legal migration. This development is being seen as giving a new dimension to mutual trust, economic cooperation and security partnership between the two countries. In the meeting, detailed discussions were held on making internal security, prevention of illegal migration, human trafficking, counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism cooperation more effective between Pakistan and Italy and it was emphasized that legal and orderly exchange of manpower is in the interest of both countries.
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan13 minutes ago in Journal
US aircraft carrier advances in the Mediterranean and increasing military activities in the region. AI-Generated.
The aircraft carrier entered the Mediterranean Sea with its entire strike group and is moving towards the Middle East after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. The strike group includes modern fighter jets, anti-missile systems, guided missile destroyers and support ships, which are capable of immediate and vigorous action in any possible military situation. Defense analysts say that at a time when diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran are rising, such a deployment is not just a coincidence but a clear strategic message.
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan2 days ago in Journal
Pakistan airstrikes: Targeting border terror hideouts. AI-Generated.
Pakistan has launched an effective and large-scale operation against terrorist hideouts and camps along the Afghan border, with the aim of strengthening security in the border areas and reducing the risk of attacks by militant groups. According to Pakistani military and official sources, the operation was carried out based on intelligence and with precautionary measures so as not to harm civilians or irrelevant locations and to target key terrorist hideouts and leadership. A total of seven camps and hideouts were targeted in the operation, including alleged hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and some of its allies, as well as the Islamic State Khorasan, and these were the same locations from which suicide bombings and other terrorist attacks were carried out in Pakistan in recent days. For example, a suicide bombing in Bajaur district killed 11 security personnel and a girl and injured several people, in northwestern Khyber In another attack in Bannu, Pakhtunkhwa, two soldiers and seven militants were killed, while a civilian was killed and seven security personnel were injured in a drone attack on a tank. In this context, Pakistan summoned the Afghan charge d’affaires to the Foreign Office and lodged a strong protest and demanded that the Afghan interim government take immediate and effective action against terrorist groups present in its country, as Pakistan maintains that Afghan soil is being used for terrorist operations and attacks, and Pakistan made it clear that it reserves the right to take action at any appropriate place to ensure its security. According to local sources and media, the terrorist hideouts and their infrastructure were severely damaged after the airstrikes in Barmal district of Paktika and Khogyani district of Nangarhar, and the sounds of explosions were heard far and wide. However, Afghan authorities did not confirm the number of casualties or injuries, due to which it is not known how many militants were killed in the attacks or to what extent civilians were affected. According to a statement issued by Pakistan, this The operations were carried out on the basis of intelligence and are aimed at damaging the border strength of terrorist groups and reducing the chances of future attacks. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also called on the international community to put pressure on the Afghan government to eliminate terrorist hideouts and promote lasting peace and security in the border areas. The interim government of Afghanistan has not yet given any definitive or official response to this operation. In the current situation, this incident comes against the backdrop of an increase in terrorist incidents in the northwestern areas, including a suicide attack in Bajaur, other attacks in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a drone attack in Tank, which affected security forces and civilians and for which responsibility was attributed to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. According to security sources, some Afghan citizens or extremist groups were also involved in training and contacts behind these attacks, which strengthened allegations of Pakistan's use of Afghan territory, while the Afghan interim government did not confirm this allegation. Tensions on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been rising for the past several months and in recent years There have also been several border clashes, shelling and accusations, in which both countries accused each other of violating the ceasefire and diplomatic protests, negotiations and mediation efforts were made. However, there is still a need for negotiations for peace and order, mutual cooperation and a common strategy against terrorism in the region. This operation shows that the government and security forces of Pakistan give top priority to the safety of its people and the security of the country and will not back down from any action against terrorism. These operations are also a clear message to terrorists in the border areas that Pakistan will take all possible measures to protect its borders and people. The current situation and future reactions will also affect regional politics, security cooperation and international relations, and will also put pressure on the possibilities of negotiations and mediation between the two countries. Overall, this incident shows the government's commitment to Pakistan's ongoing efforts against terrorism, border security and the protection of the people, and Pakistan has made it clear that any dangerous activity in the border areas will not be tolerated. No terrorist operation or attack will be allowed, while in the future too, Pakistan's security forces will take all possible steps to protect their country and people. At the same time, it has also become clear that no terrorist group present in the border areas will be allowed to carry out any unjustified operation or attack, and Pakistan's border security forces will continue their measures to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the people. Continuous intelligence and surveillance will continue to identify and target the hideouts of terrorists, and every effort will be made to completely eliminate the possibility of terrorist groups operating from across the border. Through this operation, Pakistan also sent a message that no kind of terrorism or attack will be allowed in the future and the presence of terrorist groups in the border areas will be prevented. Overall, this situation is increasing in the region.The incident clearly highlights the dangers of terrorism and the responsibilities of security forces, and the government of Pakistan is determined to take all possible steps in this regard to ensure the safety of the people and the security of the country. Written by: Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan4 days ago in Journal
US-Iran Tensions: A Growing Threat to the Region and the Global Economy. AI-Generated.
The tensions between the US and Iran have now entered a very critical and serious phase, with negotiations on both sides remaining on the back burner, and yet military preparations and threats continue: The US-Iran nuclear talks are continuing with limited progress but no viable agreement has emerged, making the prospects for a diplomatic solution look bleak and tensions are rising; The US has significantly increased its military power in the Middle East, deploying several ships, fighter jets, and military capabilities, increasing the risk of a potential conflict in the region; US President Donald Trump has given Iran a deadline of 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement and has threatened limited military strikes in case of failure, after which the US Air Force has strengthened its military positions towards Iran; Iran is also reacting to the negotiations, some legal proposals and drafts of nuclear negotiations are being prepared, but Iran is insisting on maintaining its nuclear rights; on the other hand, global economic markets are also being affected, oil and gold prices have increased, which indicates the global economic effects of the tension; thus, the overall situation is tense, uncertain, and based on a mixture of military and diplomatic conflict on both sides, which is having an impact on regional security and the global economy. Furthermore, this tense situation has also worried the countries of the Gulf region, where an increase in behind-the-scenes contacts at the diplomatic level is being seen in order to prevent a possible conflict. According to international observers, if the negotiations fail completely, even a limited military clash could turn into a wider regional crisis, as the region has already become the center of various conflicts and security concerns. The United Nations and European powers are also closely monitoring the situation and are advising the parties to exercise restraint and adopt a diplomatic path, however, the facts on the ground show that both countries are busy strengthening their positions. Iran is repeating the position that it will not accept any compromise under pressure or threat, while the United States says that it reserves the right to take any possible steps to protect its interests and allies in the region. Due to this conflict, uncertainty is increasing in global markets, investors are adopting a cautious attitude and concerns about energy supplies are intensifying. Defense analysts believe that in the current situation, a single miscalculation or unexpected event can quickly worsen the situation, which is why keeping diplomatic channels open is considered essential. Overall, this crisis is not only a conflict between two countries, but its effects can spread to the entire Middle East, global trade, energy markets and international political balance, due to which this situation is being viewed with extraordinary seriousness around the world. This tug of war between the United States and Iran is no longer just a dispute between two countries, but has become a war of 'balance of power' centered on important passages such as the Strait of Hormuz. Defense experts believe that if limited military action is launched after the deadline given by the United States, Iran's 'metric warfare' capability in response could paralyze the global supply chain because Iran's drone program and ballistic missile technology are currently at a point where they have adopted a 'ready defensive position' to retaliate in the event of any direct attack. Similarly, the Gulf countries, which are geographically located on the brink of this conflict, are currently adopting a very cautious diplomacy path and the priority of these countries is to Economic stability is the preferred option over military, as any conflict could affect their grand development plans, which is why efforts by these states to activate back-channel diplomacy between Washington and Tehran have intensified in order to save the region from a war whose effects will not subside for decades. The wave of anxiety in the global energy markets is not limited to prices alone, but has become a major question mark over 'energy security'. If the conflict continues, crude oil prices could reach a level where the economies of developing countries will collapse and a new wave of global inflation will emerge. Therefore, defense analysts believe that in the current circumstances, a single miscalculation or unexpected event could rapidly worsen the situation. Therefore, keeping diplomatic channels open is considered essential because this crisis is not only a conflict between two countries, but its effects can spread to the entire Middle East, global trade, energy markets and international political balance. Due to this, this situation is being viewed with extraordinary seriousness around the world and the use of force is not a permanent solution to this problem, but the international community will have to play the role of a 'guarantor' and save the region sitting on this gunpowder pile. Written by: Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan4 days ago in Journal
Suicide Blast at Imambargah in Islamabad: Security Challenges, Government Position and Impact on National Security. AI-Generated.
Today, Friday, February 6, 2026, a severe suicide blast occurred immediately after Friday prayers in front of the main gate of Imambargah Khadijatul Kubra located in Tarlai area of the federal capital Islamabad, which not only raised serious questions about the security situation in the capital but also sent a wave of concern across the country. According to the initial and later updated official statements issued by the district administration, Islamabad Police and the Ministry of Interior, at least 31 people were martyred in this tragic incident while more than 169 worshippers were injured, many of whom are said to be in critical condition and it is feared that the number of martyrs may increase. Immediately after the explosion, the police completely sealed the area, Rescue 1122, Bomb Disposal Squad, Forensic Units and teams of intelligence agencies reached the spot and the process of collecting evidence was started. According to Islamabad Police, initial investigations have indicated that the attacker blew himself up when security personnel tried to stop him from entering the gate of the Imambargah. The initial police investigation statement said that the attacker may have links with extremist networks like Fitna al-Khawarij/TTP, but no organization has claimed responsibility yet. At the time of the incident, a large number of worshippers were present in the Imambargah due to Friday prayers, which increased the loss of life. The intensity of the explosion was so high that the windows of nearby buildings and vehicles were broken and panic spread in the area. The injured were immediately shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic and CDA Hospital, where an emergency was declared. According to doctors, many of the injured have been kept in special care due to neurological, orthopedic and burn injuries, while blood In view of the severe shortage of blood, hospitals have also appealed to the public for immediate blood donations. Islamabad Police and District Administration have confirmed that high alert has been imposed across the capital after the incident. Additional personnel have been deployed at sensitive locations, entry and exit points, religious gatherings and government facilities. According to a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, three separate investigation teams have been formed, including Police Operations, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), CIA and other enforcement agencies, which are jointly examining the nature of the incident, facilitators, network and possible security lapses. The spokesperson said that CCTV footage, DNA samples, mobile data and other forensic evidence are being carefully analyzed to identify the attacker. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other top government and political figures have strongly condemned the incident and termed it an attack on humanity, religious tolerance and national security. The state directed to provide the best medical facilities to the injured and provide immediate assistance to the families of the martyrs, while the Prime Minister made it clear that the zero tolerance policy against terrorism will continue and the responsible elements will be brought to justice. According to police and security sources, the martyrs and injured include civilians as well as some law enforcement officials who were performing security duties. The incident has once again sparked a debate on the security of religious places in the capital, intelligence sharing and the effectiveness of the counter-terrorism strategy. Government and security officials say that after the investigation is completed, all aspects of the incident will be brought to the public so that transparency is maintained and public confidence is restored. The government of Pakistan has appealed to citizens to avoid rumors, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and immediately report any suspicious activity, while the Islamabad Police has assured that more effective and strict security measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future so that the lives and property of citizens can be protected and The law and order situation in the capital remained stable. Written by: Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan19 days ago in Journal
US-Iran talks: A percentage assessment of the chances of success, failure and partial success. AI-Generated.
The high-level talks between the United States and Iran, held today in Muscat, the peaceful and beautiful capital of the Sultanate of Oman, are a very sensitive and historic stage in global diplomacy, where the eyes of the whole world are fixed on this table because these talks are not only for the relations between the two countries, but also for the Middle East and the entire international community to guarantee peace, security and economic stability. In the current delicate and complex geopolitical context, the increasing tension between the United States and Iran, economic sanctions, the risks of military conflict, and the balance of power in the region have ensured that a safe, neutral and credible place is needed for the talks, and the Sultanate of Oman, as always, has provided this platform under its historical traditions, high-level and impartial mediation policy, in which the Omani leadership not only highlighted its key role of hospitality but also implemented its consistent policy of finding a peaceful solution in the region. The calm atmosphere of Muscat and Omani mediation are extremely important in balancing the positions of the United States and Iran on Iran's nuclear program and economic sanctions. are playing a role, and analytically, this time, a clear “strategic flexibility” is expected from the US because Washington is preferring a de-escalation arrangement rather than a direct confrontation in the region, under which partial return of Iran’s frozen assets and some humanitarian relief of sanctions can be provided, while Iran is also showing potential flexibility to not exceed the 60% limit in uranium enrichment and limit international monitoring in view of public pressure, demands for economic improvement, and the internal policy of the new administration of President Masoud Pazishkian. As a result, the chances of success of the negotiations are appearing to be 60 to 70% in the current circumstances, because both countries have now run out of room to maintain the status quo, and in case of success, an interim deal is possible that will provide the basis for a permanent solution in the future. However, there are also risks of failure, because the internal political Pressure, regional adversaries, and the political demands of global power can affect it. Oman's foreign policy has always been based on goodwill, neutrality, and the promotion of world peace, which Sultan Qaboos bin Said established and the current Sultan Hisham bin Tariq has taken it to new heights, establishing the Sultanate of Oman as an exemplary diplomatic center on the global stage. Oman also played a key role in the process of the historic nuclear deal in 2013 and the same dedication to world peace remains today. Technical issues such as Iran's nuclear program, enrichment levels, cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and complex issues of monitoring would not have been possible to resolve without Oman's mediation. These negotiations are also the focus of other powerful countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, where Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates seek stability and see Oman's mediation in the wider interest of the region. While despite Israel's strategic concerns, the attention of the international community is focused on Muscat's peaceful corridors, the global politics of oil and Given the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, the success of these negotiations is essential for the entire world. Muscat's geographical importance and Oman's impartial mediation are like the backbone for the security of this waterway, the restoration of the global energy supply chain, and long-term stability in the region. The details of the delegations involved in the negotiations are also important; The US delegation is led by Brett McGurk, a highly experienced White House official and expert on Middle East affairs, and is accompanied by Acting Special Envoy Abram Paley. The Iranian delegation is led by Abbas Araghchi and Ali Bagheri Kani. All of these experienced diplomats are advancing the negotiations in light of global tensions, economic pressures, and security threats in the region. The impartial facilitation provided by Oman has been appreciated not only by Washington and Tehran, but also by the United Nations and the European Union. Oman has proven that it is not a country but a neutral and effective diplomatic institution for the international community that is capable of protecting human life and global security from threats. The success of the negotiations will provide solid support to Iran's economy and will also be a success in foreign policy for the United States, which will have a positive impact on the global energy market, investment opportunities, regional security, and international relations. There will be, while the failure of the negotiations could lead to military tension in the region, economic uncertainty, and global instability. In short, these negotiations held today in Muscat are not just talks between two countries, but the foundation of a new global diplomatic system, where wisdom, dialogue, and negotiations take precedence over the use of force. Oman's mediation has once again played its historic role in turning the tide of world history towards peace, and it is hoped that this process will provide new horizons of lasting peace, cooperation, and balance for the region and the international community. — Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan20 days ago in Journal
Vasco da Gama: The Founder of Barbarity and Colonial Terrorism in the Garb of Discovery . AI-Generated.
Vasco da Gama is often presented in the pages of history as a great adventurer and conqueror of the seas, but the reality is quite the opposite because his arrival was no less than a human disaster for the Indian subcontinent that changed the destiny of the region. He was actually a fanatical religious plunderer and colonialist whose heart was filled with the ancient hatred of the Crusades for Muslims and immense colonial arrogance for Indians. When he left Lisbon in 1497 on the orders of King Manuel I of Portugal, the red cross symbols on his ships reflected his intentions that this journey was not just for trade but to end the dominance of Christianity and the maritime trade monopoly of Muslims by force. He left traces of his brutality in the coastal cities of Mombasa and Malindi in Africa. After leaving, when he reached Calicut in May 1498, his behavior towards the local ruler, Raja Zamorin, was contrary to any diplomatic etiquette. His most shocking incident occurred during his second voyage in October 1502, when he stopped the ship 'Miri' in the Arabian Sea, which was returning from the Hajj pilgrimage from Mecca, with more than four hundred innocent passengers on board. In addition to respectable merchants, these passengers also included women and innocent children. When the Portuguese ships surrounded them, the captain and passengers of the ship handed over twenty-two thousand gold coins and valuable goods to Gama in exchange for their lives, but this savage man refused to spare their lives even after looting all the property and belongings. British historian R.S. Whiteway writes in his book "The Rise of Portuguese Power in India" that Gama ordered the ship's ammunition depot to be set on fire, during which The scenes were heartbreaking because mothers were holding their little children in their arms and showing them to the Portuguese soldiers that perhaps they would take pity on these innocents and save them. But Gama strictly ordered his gunners to shoot and kill any passenger who jumped into the sea. In this way, the ship continued to burn in the middle of the sea for four days, including the suffering people, until all 400 people were burned alive. Gama's brutality was not limited to Muslims, but he adopted inhumane tactics to intimidate the Hindu Raja of Calicut. When Raja Zamoran sent a respected and elderly Brahmin priest as an ambassador to Gama for negotiations, the brutal Portuguese arrested the old priest and cut off his lips and ears. Then he slaughtered a dog and sewed its ears on the priest's head and returned it with an insulting letter. Sent to the Raja, this incident is mentioned with pride by the Portuguese historian Gaspar Correa himself in his work "Lendas da Índia" which exposes the Portuguese mentality of that time. During the same voyage, Gama captured about eight hundred unarmed fishermen and small local traders on the coast of Calicut and cut off their hands, noses and ears and loaded them into a large boat and put dry leaves on top of it and set it on fire and pushed this burning boat towards the shore so that the people of the city would be terrified to see the severed limbs of their loved ones. He sent a message to the Raja to cook curry for himself from these severed human limbs. These are the gruesome historical facts that the Western narrative has always hidden in the beautiful words of "transition of civilization". Gama introduced a forced permit system called "Cartaz" for the first time in the peaceful trade of the Indian Ocean using cannons and guns, under which every ship was required to be given to the Portuguese. They had to pay extortion, otherwise they would be declared pirates and drowned. In this way, he strangled the independent economy of the subcontinent and laid the foundation for centuries of colonial plunder here. Renowned modern historians like Sanjay Subramaniam make it clear in his book "The Career and Legend of Vasco da Gama" that Gama was not just an adventurer but a violent person to the point of a psychopath who enjoyed playing Holi with the blood of innocents. The stories of his atrocities are also found in the writings of French historian Geneviève Bouchon and Indian researcher K.M. Panicker, which prove that Vasco da Gama's discovery actually brought a message of slavery, religious prejudice and economic destruction to South Asia. Unfortunately, the imprint of the colonial era still remains in our educational curriculum and Pakistan studies books, where Vasco da Gama is taught as a hero and a great man who discovered the way, while a criminal silence is maintained on the massacres committed by him. Due to this curricular gap, our The new generation is unable to recognize its real enemies and friends. It is time to make these historical truths part of the curriculum and force the international community to remove the statues of war criminals like Vasco da Gama from their squares, because these statues are a humiliation to humanity and a source of suffering to the souls of millions of innocent Indians and Muslims whose blood was shed by this brutal man just to obtain gold and spices. The story of Vasco da Gama is the story of a plunderer who stained the seas with blood and history will never forgive him until his true face is fully revealed to the world. And we, as independent journalists, pledge to continue to unmask the distorted faces of history so that future generations can distinguish between truth and falsehood and recognize our true national heroes. Research and writing: Journalist Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan21 days ago in Journal
US, Iran and China: A critical phase in the balance of power in the Middle East. AI-Generated.
The growing tension between the US and Iran in recent months has made the Middle East the center of attention of world powers, where military movements, diplomatic statements, economic relations and behind-the-scenes strategic activities are clearly reflecting a new balance of power. In the current situation, the US has deployed its aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other naval assets near the region, which is apparently being described as a defensive measure to prepare for possible threats against Iran. However, military experts say that the purpose of this deployment is not only to send a message to Iran but also to assess the changing strategic realities in the region and the new balance of power between world powers, especially at a time when China has established a strong partnership with Iran not only on the economic but also on the diplomatic and technical levels. The 25-year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement is considered a milestone in global politics, under which energy, infrastructure, trade, technology and possibly defense cooperation are being promoted. In the context of this agreement, the fact that China is buying a large part of Iran's oil despite US sanctions has also become the center of attention of global analysts, which is not only supporting Iran's economy but also meeting China's energy needs. This economic interdependence is a cause of concern for Washington because it appears to be weakening the US policy of pressure. In the same vein, China's key role in restoring diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia three years ago is also a sign that Beijing is now emerging not just as an economic power but as an active diplomatic player, whose effects are being felt on the peace and stability of the Gulf region, international trade and global energy supply. According to defense experts, although the United States is still the largest power in the region in military terms, Iran has unconventional defense capabilities that can be used by any country. In the event of a potential conflict, American interests could be seriously harmed, including advanced drone technology, cruise missiles, coastal defense systems, suicide drones, and regional alliance networks. In addition, an important aspect of modern warfare is the superiority of surveillance and information in space, where Chinese and Russian military satellites are monitoring military activities in the region in real time, making it impossible to completely conceal the movements of American forces. This factor is changing the balance of power and reinforcing the cautious thinking found in Washington. Analysts say that the United States is well aware of the fact that in the event of a direct attack on Iran, the reaction will not be limited to Iran alone, but its effects could spread to the Gulf, the Arabian Sea, global energy markets, international trade, and sensitive waterways for energy transport. In particular, the security of a globally important route like the Strait of Hormuz is of exceptional importance to the global economy. That is why the United States should not close diplomatic channels while maintaining military pressure. While Iran is also trying to give the impression on the diplomatic front that it is not ready for aggression but for the protection of sovereignty, China's role is emerging as a balancing factor in this whole scenario because Beijing is not only strengthening its relations with Iran but is also linking stability in the region, trade, energy supply and global influence with its long-term interests. Overall, the current situation reflects that the world has entered a phase where military power alone is no longer decisive, but economic partnership, technology, diplomacy, information superiority, international cooperation and global strategy have become equally important. These are the factors that have brought the relations between the US, Iran and China to a delicate but decisive crossroads, where the consequences of any miscalculation can have far-reaching effects not only regionally but also globally. Therefore, in the current situation, only reporting on military preparedness and tensions is not enough, but its in-depth analysis, economic impacts, regional stability, It is important to understand the energy supply, defense capabilities, diplomatic relations and strategic strategies of global powers so that the impact of any potential crisis can be accurately assessed and the international community, countries in the region and relevant authorities can take timely measures. This report has been prepared based on this analytical approach and in-depth observations of the current situation. Written and Researched by Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan26 days ago in Journal
Questions Over the Priorities of the Bureau of Immigration, Islamabad. AI-Generated.
Pakistan’s Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment, Islamabad, has recently been running awareness campaigns and publishing advertisements on social media and other platforms about Omani labour laws; however, serious observers believe that while these activities may be well intentioned, they do not address the real and fundamental issue, because Oman is a fully law-abiding state where laws are strictly enforced and complete legal protection is provided to everyone without discrimination, from workers to traders and from Omani nationals to foreign employees, and the Omani government has established a well-organized, transparent, and effective labour system in which no one’s rights are violated and no one is above the law, yet the continued promotion of Omani labour laws by the Bureau of Immigration Islamabad creates the impression that Pakistanis face legal problems in Oman, whereas ground realities clearly show that this is not the case and that the real issue lies in Pakistan’s internal administrative weaknesses, lack of seriousness in policy making, and absence of effective diplomatic engagement, as experts emphasize that the actual need is for Pakistan to engage in continuous, serious, and dignified negotiations and formal agreements with the Omani authorities to reopen labour visas for the Pakistani workforce, especially when Oman currently has large-scale construction, development, and infrastructure projects requiring skilled, hardworking, and responsible manpower, a standard that Pakistani workers are fully capable of meeting, while the Omani government has consistently prioritized law, discipline, and the protection of foreign workers’ rights, which is why Oman is internationally recognized as a safe, stable, and reliable country, whereas in Pakistan the Bureau of Immigration and related institutions appear focused on internal procedures, paperwork, and promotional activities instead of practical action, the consequences of which are directly borne by Pakistani workers and their families, as the prolonged closure of labour visas for Pakistani workers in a well-regulated and peaceful country like Oman is deeply concerning, leaving thousands of skilled Pakistani workers, already affected by unemployment at home, helpless despite their willingness to work honestly in a nearby and law-abiding country like Oman, while their families in Pakistan continue to suffer from financial pressure, educational difficulties, and social challenges, even though Omani labour laws are clearly worker-friendly and provide a transparent system for grievance redressal, reconciliation, access to courts, exemption from fees, and timely justice, therefore instead of repeatedly promoting Omani labour laws, the Bureau of Immigration’s real responsibility is to draw the attention of the Government of Pakistan toward holding high-level negotiations with Omani authorities, removing existing obstacles, building mutual trust, and adopting a practical strategy to reopen labour visas for Pakistani workers, especially since the reputation of Pakistani workers in Oman has always been positive and the Omani people have consistently treated foreign workers, particularly Pakistanis, with dignity, protection, and opportunity within the framework of the law, while at the same time greater priority must be given to addressing the problems faced by the families of overseas Pakistanis back home, including legal, financial, and social insecurity, issues that can only be reduced when the Government of Pakistan and its institutions move beyond statements and advertisements toward real action, adopt clear policies, and strengthen cooperation with a friendly and law-abiding country like Oman based on mutual respect and trust, because Oman has long set an example in upholding the rule of law, protecting foreign workers, and maintaining transparent systems, and if Pakistan demonstrates seriousness, ongoing projects in Oman can generate dignified employment opportunities for Pakistani workers, reducing unemployment in Pakistan, increasing remittances, and improving the lives of thousands of families, therefore it is essential that the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment Islamabad reassess its priorities, address internal shortcomings, play a constructive role by engaging the Government of Pakistan in effective negotiations with Omani authorities to resolve visa-related concerns, and work toward a practical framework that respects Omani laws, acknowledges the Omani government’s organized system and the positive role of Omani society, and opens employment opportunities for the Pakistani workforce, because promoting Omani labour laws is not the real need for the Bureau of Immigration but rather correcting Pakistan’s lack of serious policy direction and effective diplomacy, and in this regard the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment Islamabad must play a positive role, including contributing to the protection and welfare of the families of migrant workers living in Oman and other countries. Written by Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan26 days ago in Journal
Challenges Faced by Pakistanis Abroad: Pakistan’s Diplomatic and Economic Failures. AI-Generated.
Start writing... The relationship between Pakistan and the Sultanate of Oman has always been based on brotherhood and mutual respect. Oman has consistently welcomed Pakistani workers and traders. However, the visa obstacles faced by Pakistanis over the past year are not due to the Omani authorities, but are the result of Pakistan’s diplomatic inefficiency. The Government of Pakistan has completely failed to address the concerns of the Omani authorities regarding visas and to reassure them. India, on the other hand, has established mechanisms at the government level for its citizens to work and invest in Oman, ensuring that Omani authorities have no reservations. This comparison clearly shows that when a country’s leadership is serious about protecting its citizens’ interests, it overcomes all obstacles and clears the way. In contrast, our government remains engaged only in political maneuvering. More than a year has passed, yet the Government of Pakistan has still failed to effectively resolve visa-related issues faced by Pakistani citizens in Oman. During this period, numerous Pakistanis have legally registered small and medium-sized companies in Oman to promote trade, completed all required documentation, obtained commercial licenses, and in some cases rented offices, restaurants, and shops on a monthly basis. Yet due to visa delays, they have not been able to start their businesses. These individuals are under severe financial pressure, as they continue to pay rent, government fees, and other expenses without any income. All their hopes are tied to the Government of Pakistan, hoping that a serious diplomatic initiative will resolve their issues, but so far, they have only been met with disappointment. This situation reflects the fact that the Government of Pakistan has failed, on one hand, to provide dignified employment within the country, and on the other hand, those who seek to improve their livelihoods abroad through legal work also face numerous obstacles. Incidents of being offloaded at airports are increasing, which undermines public confidence and damages the country’s reputation. Unemployment, inflation, and economic instability have placed ordinary citizens under immense pressure. When employment opportunities are limited, social deterioration becomes inevitable. In such circumstances, the responsibility of the state to provide its citizens with dignified means of livelihood increases, yet unfortunately, Pakistan’s current policies do not reflect such seriousness. This is precisely where the saying holds true: poverty erases the sense of refinement, and hunger cannot be confined within the molds of etiquette. It is noteworthy that Oman currently has large-scale development and construction projects underway, including new cities, residential communities, modern roads, bridges, ports, industrial zones, and tourist centers, all of which require a significant number of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers. Pakistan has millions of youth skilled in trades such as carpentry, labor work, electrical work, plumbing, welding, driving, and other technical fields, who can play a vital role in these projects. If the Government of Pakistan adopts timely and serious diplomatic strategies, not only can millions of Pakistani families gain employment, but the country can also earn valuable foreign exchange. On the other hand, continuous delays and negligence would waste this golden opportunity. This situation requires serious consideration because, without timely and solid diplomatic action, the economic existence of Pakistani investors and workers abroad could be severely threatened, and Pakistan’s reputation at the international level could also be harmed. The Government of Pakistan must go beyond formal statements and temporary announcements, engage in purposeful and results-oriented discussions with Omani authorities, and secure for its citizens the same practical facilities and protections that other countries successfully obtain for their workforce and investors. It is regrettable that Pakistani ministers and senior officials have visited Oman, yet no comprehensive or clear policy for the issuance of visas for skilled, semi-skilled, and commercial workers has been implemented. These visits have remained largely ceremonial and have not addressed the real issues of the public. Moreover, Pakistan’s senior leadership appears so entangled in internal political differences and power struggles that public issues are sidelined, and parliamentary forums prioritize political conflicts over public welfare, directly harming ordinary citizens. The time has come for the Government of Pakistan to act with seriousness, prioritize the issues of Pakistani investors and workers abroad, and take immediate and practical steps to integrate Pakistan’s workforce into ongoing development projects. Otherwise, this issue could escalate further, with consequences felt not only abroad but also within the country for a prolonged period.By: Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awanabout a month ago in Journal
