PESHAWAR: According to official sources, data collection is underway on Afghan migrants in Pakistan, including those with legal residency, in preparation for renewed efforts to evict them following Eid.
Last year, over 500,000 Afghans left Pakistan due to government orders, leading to tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
Although the eviction deadline was initially set for November 2023, officials, preferring anonymity, revealed plans to resume evictions soon.
Authorities are instructed to gather data and map both legal and illegal Afghan residents.
While the government has yet to make a final decision, police are already taking action.
The federal government aims to address security concerns and economic challenges through the eviction scheme, but analysts suggest it may also be a tactic to pressure Kabul over border attacks.
Despite denials from the Taliban government, Islamabad accuses them of sheltering militants.
Millions of Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan over the years, with some facing deportation despite being born there.
The recent escalation in tensions between Islamabad and Kabul was fueled by deadly incidents on both sides of the border.
After Pakistani airstrikes killed civilians in Afghanistan, tensions rose further following the death of Pakistani troops in militant attacks.
President Asif Ali Zardari vowed retaliation, blaming external forces for the violence.
