Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Qayyum (Defense Analyst): Pakistan has been hosting millions of Afghan refugees for the last many decades. Despite its limited resources, Islamabad has made all out efforts to help their Afghan brethren in their distress. The international community must recognize the huge efforts undertaken by Pakistan to help the destitute migrants. As far the situation in neighboring Afghanistan is concerned, people are suffering because international community is not providing the country proper aid due to their animosity towards Taliban. Similar is the case of Palestinian refugees, who are suffering miserably at the hands of Israeli authorities.

Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi (IR Expert): Conflicts in different countries lead to refugees. Most of the refugees are in Asia and Africa due to a number of conflicts within and between countries. After two world wars, the number of refugees in the world has increased. United Nations High Commission for Refugees looks after the affairs of refugees in different places of the world. Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees due to various wars in Afghanistan. However, Pakistan is not getting the required help to meet this burden. If other countries open their doors to refugees like Pakistan did, the burden on a single country will reduce. In addition, the big powers must provide more funds to the countries that are hosting refugees. Efforts should be made on emergency basis to help avert wars and conflicts along with poverty so that people are not forced to become refugees.

Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig (Economist): I think it is imperative to sign charter of economy. This concept has been going on for quite some time. Now, we are entering into IMF’s agreement and there will be more stringent conditions in future. All political parties should get united to help resolve the economic issues the country is facing at the moment. They must stop political game as it will not help anyone. Signing of this charter will ensure consistency in policy and elicit more foreign direct investment into the country. If all political parties pool their efforts, intellect and experience, they might come up with a workable plan for the improvement of economy. 

Sahibzad Khan (DG Met): The current pre-monsoon rain spell will last for next 48 hours. The regular monsoon rains will start by end of this month with more than average rainfall predicted. The earlier dry season in the country is affecting the intensity of rains. These rains will help overcome the water shortage in the country. It will also help farming community to have enough water for growing their crops. The Met office is giving advisories and information on time to people so that they are well prepared.