The son of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNA Iqbal Afridi has been revealed to have travelled to Europe on a blue passport and later sought political asylum in Italy. This information was disclosed by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior. Chaudhry the lawmaker's son held a diplomatic passport, which allowed him to travel to Italy via a European nation that does not require Pakistanis with official passports to obtain a visa before arrival.
The blue passport is typically issued to government officials travelling on official duty, along with eligible dependents, under strict regulations. However, the incident has caused embarrassment for the country and raised questions about the image such actions project internationally. The minister the government had reduced the number of blue passports issued following such incidents, in an effort to prevent similar misuse in the future.
The committee members questioned the government's decision to penalise everyone by reducing the number of blue passports issued, instead of taking action against the individuals involved. They asked the government to bring those responsible into the dock and hold them accountable for their actions. This incident has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the misuse of diplomatic passports, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and oversight.
Afridi, speaking to journalists, defended his son's actions and authorities should first disclose how many people had sought political asylum abroad before his son. He also criticised the prevailing conditions within the country, stating that if they continued, no one would choose to remain in the country. This statement has sparked a debate about the current state of the country and the reasons why people may be seeking asylum abroad. The incident has also raised questions about the accountability of government officials and their dependents, and the need for transparency in the issuance and use of diplomatic passports.
