Peshawar, March 17 (IANS) – The ruling government of Pakistan’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has strongly criticized the federal government’s policy of deporting Afghan refugees, calling it “inhumane and oppressive.”
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed his opposition to the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees, stating that his administration would make an independent decision on whether to comply with the federal directives after March 31. Gandapur emphasized that his stance aligns with the cultural and traditional values of KP, underscoring the province’s historical role as a refuge for displaced Afghans.
“I am not in favor of the forced repatriation of Afghans as dictated by the federal government’s policy. I will decide what is best for my province and in accordance with the traditions of KP,” Gandapur asserted, as reported by Dawn.
He further criticized the lack of proper arrangements for the returning refugees in Afghanistan, highlighting the humanitarian implications of the decision. “It is both wrong and inhuman to send back Afghan refugees without ensuring their safety and well-being in their homeland. This constitutes a clear violation of basic human rights,” he added.
The KP Chief Minister also pointed out that the federal government had not engaged with him regarding this critical issue, and he was met with criticism when he proposed diplomatic negotiations with Afghanistan on the matter. He emphasized that despite the federal government’s prior agreement on talks with Afghan authorities, no meaningful engagement had taken place.
Islamabad has repeatedly justified the repatriation policy by linking Afghan migrants to security concerns, citing their alleged involvement in militant activities and crime. However, Gandapur countered this argument by advocating for a distinction between law-abiding Afghan residents and individuals involved in unlawful activities. “Those with no criminal record should be allowed to stay and be granted Pakistani citizenship,” he stated, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Addressing concerns over the resurgence of terrorism in the region, Gandapur attributed the increasing militancy to the federal government’s failure in handling security affairs. “The rise in militancy is a direct consequence of the incompetence of the federal government and its institutions,” he remarked.
KP is home to the largest Afghan refugee population in Pakistan, with Peshawar hosting the highest number of refugees. According to the United Nations, over 800,000 Afghans have returned to their home country since Pakistan initiated its repatriation policy.
Many of these refugees have resided in KP for decades, contributing to local businesses and various sectors. Afghan refugees have urged Pakistani authorities not to force them to leave by March 31, arguing that their third generation has settled in Pakistan and that the Taliban-led government in Kabul does not recognize them as Afghan nationals.
Several media reports have documented instances of harassment and discrimination against Afghan refugees in Pakistan, with many facing illegal detention and deportation despite possessing valid legal documents. Refugee communities have called upon the Afghan government and international human rights organizations to intervene on their behalf and advocate for their rights.
The ongoing debate over the Afghan repatriation policy underscores the complexities of Pakistan’s refugee management strategy, with KP’s leadership voicing strong resistance to the federal government’s directives. As the March 31 deadline approaches, the situation remains a critical humanitarian and political issue in the region.
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