Pakistan To Expel Over 1.5 Million Afghans, Cites Terrorism As Reason
Pakistan Deporting Over 1.5 Million Afghans in Massive Repatriation Plan
In a bold move, Pakistan is taking action to remove over 1.5 million Afghans from the country as part of a comprehensive repatriation plan targeting illegal immigrants.
“Of the roughly 4 million Afghans living in Pakistan, about 1.7 million people are thought to be in the crosshairs of this repatriation plan,”
“The UN estimates that more than 200,000 Afghans without papers have left Pakistan for Afghanistan since Islamabad announced its ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ just over a month ago,”
The decision to deport such a large number of Afghans is driven by concerns over security and terrorism. Pakistan’s interior minister, Sarfraz Bugti, revealed that Afghan nationals were responsible for 14 out of 24 major terrorist attacks in Pakistan in 2023.
Bugti stated, “All illegal immigrants residing in Pakistan have until November 1 to return to their countries voluntarily. And if they fail to leave by the deadline, all our state law enforcement agencies will unleash an operation with full-throttle to deport them. We have evidence that Afghans were involved in these attacks and are taking up the issue through our foreign ministry with Taliban authorities in Afghanistan.”
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According to Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, the military is likely driving this policy, while the caretaker regime takes the public flak.
After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, between 600,000 and 800,000 Afghans sought refuge in Pakistan. However, the Pakistani government asserts that only 2.2 million Afghans out of the approximately 3.8 million living in Pakistan possess a government-approved document allowing them to stay.
Pakistan’s military has made it clear that terrorist attacks involving Afghan nationals will not be tolerated, stating, “Such attacks are intolerable and would elicit an effective response from the security forces of Pakistan. The involvement of Afghan nationals in acts of terrorism in Pakistan is another important concern that needs to be addressed.”
How can Pakistan and Afghanistan work together, along with international organizations, to address the root causes of migration and promote regional stability
Aluewalk.com/2023/08/15/massive-afghan-deportations-pose-significant-challenges-to-pakistan/”>stated that the repatriation plan is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the Pakistani people. He emphasized the need to address the issue of illegal immigrants and prevent potential security threats. Bugti also acknowledged the challenges involved in such a massive deportation operation, including logistical issues and coordination with the Afghan government.
This repatriation plan has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While some argue that it is a necessary step to protect Pakistan’s security interests, others are concerned about the humanitarian consequences and the potential for further instability in Afghanistan. The Afghan government issued a statement expressing its concern about the repatriation plan, citing the lack of infrastructure and resources to accommodate such a large influx of returnees.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been actively involved in assisting the repatriation process. They have been providing support and assistance to the returnees, including transportation, reintegration support, and humanitarian aid. However, the IOM has also raised concerns about the sustainability of this repatriation plan, stressing the need for long-term solutions and efforts to address the root causes of migration.
Furthermore, human rights organizations have voiced their concerns over the potential violation of the rights of these Afghan refugees. They argue that the repatriation process should be conducted in a humane and dignified manner, ensuring the protection of their rights, safety, and well-being. Efforts should also be made to address the underlying factors driving migration, including the ongoing conflict and economic instability in Afghanistan.
The repatriation plan highlights the complex challenges faced by both Pakistan and Afghanistan in dealing with the issue of illegal immigration and promoting regional stability. It calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses security concerns, humanitarian aspects, and long-term solutions. This includes strengthening border management, enhancing cooperation between the two countries, and supporting sustainable development in Afghanistan.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s decision to deport over 1.5 million Afghans as part of a massive repatriation plan reflects the country’s concerns over security and terrorism. While it is seen as a necessary step to safeguard the well-being of its citizens, the repatriation also raises logistical and humanitarian challenges. It is crucial for Pakistan and Afghanistan, along with international organizations, to work together in finding comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of migration and promote regional stability.
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