Ashraf Ghani, the famous poet and political cartoonist was born in Pakistan. He is also a celebrated writer. He has made contributions in many fields of literature and is widely acclaimed for his distinct work in English literature and his contribution towards understanding and promoting social causes. So it is not a surprise to anyone that Ashraf Ghani, a political cartoonist and political activist who are wanted in Pakistan and Afghanistan on terror charges has reached the shores of Abu Dhabi. This is the third largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates.
It is very significant that Ashraf Ghani the political cartoonist and poet who are wanted in Pakistan and Afghanistan is now welcomed in the United Arab Emirates where he has lived for the last seven years. This is a very good sign for political cartoonists and other poets who are wanted in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This is because they know that their work is appreciated in these countries.
Ashraf Ghani’s situation is quite ironic. He is wanted in Pakistan for his outstanding work as a political cartoonist and for his writings supporting democracy and social movements. On the other hand, the poet and political cartoonist are wanted in Afghanistan where he is thought to be a threat to the regime of President Karzai.
When Ashraf Ghani’s team reached Afghanistan from Pakistan, they faced many problems in getting through the security check and the immigration process. So they finally managed to reach Jalalabad after long years of struggle. During the journey, the Pakistani authorities repeatedly asked the poet and political cartoonist to show proof of his citizenship. They even prevented them from leaving the country. But after several rounds of negotiation, the authorities allowed them to leave. Ashraf Ghani was conferred with a golden visa by the Afghanistan government.
Ashraf Ghani has now left Pakistan. He is wanted in Afghanistan for participating in an international public art exhibition called “Henna Kila”, which is organized by Pakistan. He is also wanted in Pakistan for his outstanding contribution to the world of political cartoonists. It was at this time that he left for good and decided to fight for his freedom.
A famous public artist of Pakistan, Bilquis Butt was arrested along with Ashraf Ghani when the duo went to the Indian border for a gathering of political cartoonists. Butt was detained along with Ghani for ten days. After that, Butt was released but the other political cartoonist, Mustafa Ahmed was kept in prison. However, he too is soon going to win his freedom. Meanwhile, the international community is calling on all political cartoonists around the world to stand up for their freedoms and fight for the cause of political cartoonists in foreign countries.
