Pakistan Announces phased repatriation of illegal immigrants, including Afghan nationals
In a move that has strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, the Pakistani government has declared its plan to repatriate all illegal immigrants, including Afghan nationals, in an orderly manner rather than all at once. The announcement, made by Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, has sparked concerns among aid officials, who believe that this forced repatriation could worsen Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The process is set to begin with individuals who have criminal records, according to Baloch. However, the total number of illegal immigrants in Pakistan, including Afghans, still remains unknown. Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, however, revealed that there are currently 4.4 million Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan.
The decision to repatriate the illegal immigrants stems from the increased number of attacks by Islamist militants, with a staggering 14 out of 24 suicide bombings in Pakistan this year being executed by Afghan nationals. Pakistan is determined to crack down on these incidents, which have been a growing concern for the nation’s security.
While Pakistan defends its actions claiming it is in line with international practice, aid officials caution that the forced repatriation of such large numbers, especially during Afghanistan’s turmoil, will only worsen the already dire situation. The ongoing humanitarian crisis has left millions of Afghans displaced and in need of assistance.
The strained relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan can be attributed, in part, to accusations of militants operating from Afghan territory. However, the Taliban has strongly denied these allegations. The decision to repatriate illegal immigrants, alongside the broader implications of such a move, is being closely monitored by the international community.
As the Nov. 1 deadline approaches, tensions between the two neighboring nations continue to rise. The Taliban has voiced their concerns and objections to the repatriation process, further complicating an already fragile relationship. It remains to be seen how Pakistan’s phased repatriation plan will unfold and what impact it will have on the wider region. The Puck Drop will closely follow the developments in this matter.
