Monday, Dec 30, 2002
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By B. Muralidhar Reddy
The Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, Nancy Powell, was called to the Foreign Office on Saturday and the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, conveyed his `disappointment' over the inclusion of Pakistanis in the NSEERS. The move by the U.S. has triggered critical comments in the Pakistani civil society and the press. There have been a number of commentaries in the media mocking at the claims of the Government that Pakistan is a `frontline' state of the U.S.-led coalition in the `war against terrorism'. There is a growing view within the country that the day is not far off when Pakistan itself would become target of the U.S. once its objectives in Afghanistan are achieved. The latest decision by the Bush administration has come in handy to all who had questioned the wisdom of backing the U.S. when it declared war against Afghanistan in October last year. What has added to woes of the Jamali Government are the tales of harassment and humiliation faced by Pakistanis visiting the U.S. in the hands of immigration authorities. ``I want to express my deep sense of disappointment and concern over the inclusion of Pakistanis in the NSEERS. This is a matter of immediate concern to the Government of Pakistan,'' Mr. Kasuri told the American Envoy. It was conveyed to the U.S. Ambassador that while the Government of Pakistan was aware of the U.S. concerns for its safety and security in the aftermath of the September 11 tragedy, the new measures were excessive and unnecessary as far as Pakistani nationals were concerned. The Minister told Ms. Powell that inclusion of Pakistani nationals in the NSEERS list has created unprecedented difficulties for those living in and visiting the U.S. It is emphasised that the U.S. should accordingly review its decision and take Pakistan off the list. According to estimates, up to one lakh Pakistanis are likely to be affected by the new U.S. drive. About 70 to 80 percent of the Pakistanis whose future here is now in jeopardy are those who are either over-staying or illegal entrants and who had failed to take advantage of, or were too late for the amnesty offered by the Clinton administration. Most of these people live in New Jersey, New York and Chicago. Those who have work are employed in low-paying jobs at fillings stations, hotels or small convenience stores. Most of them have their cases for extension of stay etc. pending with the U.S. immigration authorities. Those who have not made an application are now required to do so without any delay. There are thousands of illegal Pakistanis in the U.S. who never cared to apply for any kind of regularisation even when such opportunities arose.
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