In the annals of history, a seemingly ordinary Pakistani passport played a remarkable and pivotal role in Morocco’s arduous fight for independence. Rewind to 1952, a crucial period when Morocco grappled with the shackles of French colonial rule. Sultan Mohammad V, a key figure in the struggle for independence, recognized the need to amplify Morocco’s voice on the international stage.
Pakistani passport for Morocco’s independence
In a strategic move, Sultan Mohammad V dispatched Ahmed Balafrej to the United Nations to plead Morocco’s case. However, France, viewing Morocco as its colony, sought to suppress any dissenting voices that could challenge its grip on the North African nation. In this atmosphere of political repression, Ahmed Balafrej’s plea was effectively silenced.
It was at this critical juncture that Pakistan, under the leadership of its Foreign Minister Sir Zafarullah Khan, stepped in to support Morocco’s cause. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Khan issued Ahmed Balafrej a Pakistani passport overnight. This diplomatic maneuver allowed Balafrej to address the United Nations as a representative of Pakistan, circumventing the stifling constraints imposed by French colonial authorities.
Ahmed Balfret’s ‘brilliant’ speech
In a speech delivered on the global stage, Ahmed Balafrej eloquently outlined Morocco’s struggle for independence, drawing widespread attention to the injustices faced by the Moroccan people. The international community, spurred by Balafrej’s impassioned plea, began to take notice of Morocco’s quest for sovereignty.
Fast forward to 1956, and Morocco finally achieved its hard-fought independence. Ahmed Balafrej, who had played a pivotal role in the diplomatic battle for freedom, ascended to become Morocco’s first Prime Minister. As a symbol of gratitude and remembrance, Balafrej proudly displayed his Pakistani passport on the wall of his office – a tangible testament to Pakistan’s crucial and timely support in Morocco’s journey to liberation.
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The episode stands as a testament to the diplomatic power of solidarity and the unexpected ways in which nations can support each other in their struggles for freedom and self-determination. The Pakistani passport, once a mere travel document, became an emblem of shared aspirations and a symbol of a nation’s unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice and independence.
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