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The Pakistani government plans to introduce a financial aid initiative to support families of missing persons, acknowledging their suffering and reinforcing the state’s commitment to citizen welfare.

In a significant move, the Pakistani government is set to introduce the “National Consensus and Legal Resolution (NCLR) on Missing Persons,” aimed at providing financial support to families affected by enforced disappearances. For over two decades, Pakistan has been grappling with terrorism, a struggle exacerbated by the events of 9/11. This turmoil has cost the nation dearly, with over 80,000 lives lost and immense financial burdens incurred.

Despite these challenges, the resilience and perseverance of the Pakistani people remain commendable. The ongoing search by families for their missing loved ones amidst this chaos highlights a deeply personal aspect of this national tragedy.

To support these families, the government plans to offer financial aid and rehabilitation awards. Each family will receive $9,000, a gesture aimed at alleviating some of their economic burdens. While this grant cannot replace their loved ones, it represents a compassionate step by the government to acknowledge their suffering and counter harmful narratives propagated by anti-state groups.

This initiative is not about compensation—no amount of money can replace a loved one. Instead, it’s a gesture of solidarity, a recognition of the shared human suffering that transcends political divides. The launch of the NCLR underscores the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens, akin to a parent’s devotion to their children.

The state’s determination to address the issue of missing persons is clear. This initiative seeks to ease the pain of families and demonstrates the government’s resolve to confront this pressing problem. It is a step that deserves recognition, especially for communities that have endured tremendous hardship over the past two decades.

Despite criticism from hostile groups, Pakistan’s government and institutions have consistently prioritized public welfare. The complex issue of missing persons is compounded by factors such as casualties in counter-terrorism operations, affiliations with terrorist organizations, and voluntary exiles.

Terrorist attacks in Pakistan have brought untold suffering to its people over the last twenty years. It’s essential to acknowledge these realities without unfairly blaming the government or its agencies for the problem of missing persons. The NCLR initiative reflects a serious commitment to addressing this issue.

Pakistan has made notable progress in uncovering the truth behind missing persons cases. Joint efforts by law enforcement and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CoIoED) have led to a resolution rate of 78%, with 8,015 out of 10,285 cases resolved. Work continues on the remaining 2,270 cases, utilizing all available legal, security, and financial resources. Recognizing these efforts is crucial, rather than resorting to unwarranted criticism.

The issue of missing persons is not unique to Pakistan; it is a global concern. Pakistan has been unfairly targeted by anti-Pakistan groups, despite having fewer incidents compared to countries like the United States, India, and the United Kingdom. This issue arises from various factors, including voluntary departures, affiliations with terrorist groups, interactions with law enforcement, and asylum-seeking due to criminal records. Terrorist groups also have a history of killing and disappearing their members, complicating the situation further.

The government’s financial aid program emphasizes the social contract between the state and its citizens, underscoring the mutual responsibility and care that bind them. By offering both financial assistance and help with legal issues related to identification and inheritance, the government is upholding its commitment to its people. This comprehensive plan strengthens the social fabric, fostering trust and solidarity.

In recent cabinet meetings, the issue of missing persons has been a central topic, reflecting its significance in national discourse. The government, through the CIED, has made considerable strides in resolving cases and continues to marshal all resources towards finding solutions. Detailed procedures for the financial assistance program will be announced soon, aiming to alleviate the economic hardships faced by families of missing persons.

Abdul Mussawer Safi is an author at various platforms such as Modern Diplomacy, Kashmir Watch, and Eurasia Review. He is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from National Defense University. He has a profound interest in world politics, especially in the regional dynamics of South Asia. His academic strengths are critical and SWOT analysis.