The interior minister’s orders that no further exchanges of Pakistani prisoners with those from other countries take place reveals what has apparently been happening in the past. It appears that, under agreements with other nations, Pakistanis convicted and held overseas were brought home, and then in at least some cases released. The interior ministry has ordered an inquiry into these cases over the last many years, and action against provincial government and prison officials. It seems that in certain incidents dangerous criminals were freed. The number is unknown. What is especially disturbing about the entire affair is the lack of transparency. Little information is available about the exchanges which took place or who was traded for whom.
Pakistan has limited, formal prisoner exchange agreements. One exists with the UK and attempts continue to work one out with the UAE. It is unclear if others exist, but it is conceivable that specific arrangements be worked out. What is imperative is that we, as citizens, know all the details. It is of course also important that criminals not be released as a result of corruption or nepotism. The interior minister’s statement has made it clear that this has happened and it is easy to see how that happened given the manner in which our systems operate. We have paid dearly for such flaws in the past, and if criminals have routinely been let off then certainly we continue to pay a heavy price. We do not know who they are, we do not know where they came from and we do not know what they are doing now. This can only add to the law and order problems we already face. In these cases the state itself has unleashed criminals on the road. We really do not need more criminals set on the loose without proper procedure. It is unfortunate that it has taken so many years for this issue to be brought to the limelight. But now that we have learned about the abuse in the exchange procedure it is crucial that proper mechanisms
be put in place. These are required to determine how any trade agreement is being conducted. In the case of offenders guilty of serious crime, any deals regarding an exchange of said criminal for a person wanted elsewhere must be reached only after an adequate process of review at the proper level. Further damage must now be prevented as we step up our battle against militancy and crime.