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The Unlikely Hero: How a Pakistani Passport Helped Secure Moroccan Independence


In the tumultuous year of 1952, Morocco found itself under the oppressive rule of the French colonial administration. The Moroccans, led by their esteemed leader, Sultan Muhammad V, were fervently fighting for their long-awaited independence. Amidst the chaos of this struggle, a remarkable and unexpected turn of events unfolded, involving a man named Ahmed Bulferg, a Pakistani passport, and a triumphant moment at the United Nations Security Council.

Sultan Muhammad V, deeply committed to the cause of Moroccan independence, sent Ahmed Bulferg to the United States with a critical mission: to address the UN Security Council and garner international support for their noble cause. However, the French colonial delegates, who maintained a tight grip on Morocco, were quick to employ a cunning tactic. They argued that since Morocco was considered a French colony, Ahmed Bulferg, by virtue of his Moroccan citizenship, could not speak at a UN forum. This was a blatant attempt to silence the voice of the Moroccan people in their pursuit of freedom.

In a stunning act of solidarity and diplomacy, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Sir Zafarullah Khan, sprung into action. Under the cover of darkness, he ordered the immediate opening of the Pakistani embassy in the United States. In a symbolic act of support for the Moroccan cause, he offered Ahmed Bulferg Pakistani nationality and issued him a Pakistani passport. This strategic maneuver allowed Ahmed Bulferg to sidestep the French obstruction and the very next day, he stood before the UN Security Council, not as a Moroccan subject of France but as a proud Pakistani citizen, advocating for the rights of the Moroccan people.

This audacious move not only exposed the French delegates' efforts to stifle the Moroccan voice but also gave a tremendous boost to the Moroccan independence movement on the international stage. The world watched in awe as a Moroccan, carrying the banner of Pakistan, spoke passionately about the aspirations of his people. The Moroccan independence movement gained invaluable international recognition, and back home, the spirits of the Moroccan people were lifted.

Finally, in 1956, Morocco achieved its hard-fought independence. To honor his unwavering dedication and the pivotal role he played, Sultan Muhammad V appointed Ahmed Bulferg as the Prime Minister of Morocco. In a poignant display of gratitude and symbolism, Ahmed Bulferg proudly displayed his framed Pakistani passport in his office. To all who visited him, he shared the remarkable story of how that passport had played a vital role in the journey towards Moroccan independence.

The tale of Ahmed Bulferg and his Pakistani passport stands as a testament to the enduring power of diplomacy and unity in the face of adversity. It showcases how the determination of individuals and nations can shape the course of history and help a people reclaim their rightful independence. Ahmed Bulferg's story is a reminder that the pursuit of freedom transcends borders and unites people in a common cause.

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