Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, has reiterated the government’s stance on repatriating undocumented individuals, emphasizing that Pakistan cannot jeopardize its national security by harboring such illegal aliens.
The government’s initiative, which began in November, aimed at deporting illegal foreign nationals, primarily Afghans, has faced criticism, but the government maintains that the decision is not targeted at any specific ethnic group.
Out of the estimated four million Afghans residing in Pakistan, around 1.7 million are believed to be undocumented.
Thousands have already returned from the Torkham and Chaman border crossings. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has also supported the government’s decision, citing its impact on Pakistan’s security and economy.
PM Kakar explained that Pakistan, despite not being a signatory to the 1951 Convention on Refugees, has accommodated the largest caseload of refugees, showing hospitality ingrained in the country’s DNA. He acknowledged the economic and security costs associated with the significant influx of migrants over the past few decades.
The Prime Minister highlighted efforts to provide opportunities for voluntary repatriation and to register undocumented individuals, but a significant number has chosen to remain in the shadows, posing challenges to Pakistan’s socio-economic fabric.
He emphasized the negative consequences, such as tax evasion, wage depression, and susceptibility to criminal exploitation.
PM Kakar pointed out security concerns, with Afghan nationals being involved in suicide attacks and encounters with security forces.
He mentioned the responsibility of the government to address these concerns and the decision to heed the interim Afghan government’s advice to put its own house in order.
The Prime Minister clarified that the repatriation program prioritizes voluntary, safe, and dignified returns, with 93% of returnees doing so voluntarily.
He noted the establishment of transit centers and border crossing points to facilitate the process, countering misinformation and allegations on social media.
PM Kakar acknowledged the influx of Afghan refugees after the abrupt withdrawal of Western allies in August 2021 and expressed concern for at-risk groups, assuring that individuals such as musicians, journalists, and human rights activists would not be deported.
However, he highlighted the need for assistance from other countries, stating that only a fraction of new arrivals had been resettled outside Pakistan.
PM Kakar stressed that Pakistan stands at a crossroads and cannot compromise its national security by accommodating such large numbers of undocumented individuals. The ultimate goal is to build a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous Pakistan for the benefit of its people, the region, and the wider world.
