Karachi: Mian Zahid Hussain, a prominent business leader in Pakistan, has condemned a recent attack on Rangers personnel in Karachi that resulted in the loss of three lives. He emphasized the need for the expulsion of Afghan nationals without valid visas from Pakistan, a move he deemed crucial for national security, economic stability, and the rule of law.

According to Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, Hussain, who holds several leadership roles including President of PBIF and Chairman of the National Business Group Pakistan, stated that Pakistan has shown generosity by hosting Afghan nationals for over four decades. However, he stressed that no country can allow foreign nationals to reside and work indefinitely without legal documentation. He called for the government to act on its decision to begin arrests of undocumented Afghan nationals starting July 10.

The attack, attributed to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, has raised concerns about ongoing threats from terrorism and weak border controls, Hussain noted. He highlighted the importance of coordination between civil and military leadership, under the guidance of leaders like Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, to bolster national security and economic confidence.

Hussain urged that while Afghan nationals with valid documents should not face harassment, those without must be dealt with according to Pakistani law. He advocated for a coordinated effort by various government agencies to enforce legal residence and business practices to mitigate undocumented activities that strain the country's resources and infrastructure.

He also called for a humane approach in the repatriation of Afghan nationals, particularly considering vulnerable groups while maintaining that Pakistan's sovereignty and legal frameworks are paramount. Hussain expressed the support of the Pakistani business community for government efforts to ensure a secure and stable environment conducive to investment and growth.