Pakistan’s government has recently ordered all unauthorized Afghan asylum seekers to leave the country by November. This decision has significant implications and raises concerns that need to be carefully addressed.
The spike in militant attacks along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has escalated tensions between the two countries. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan-based operatives of carrying out border crossing attacks, a claim denied by the Taliban regime. However, these attacks have fueled resentment in Islamabad, leading to the crackdown on “illegal” migrants.
The recent blast at a mosque in Mastung city, near the border with Afghanistan, resulting in the death of at least 50 people, has further intensified the situation. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced the crackdown on Afghan asylum seekers, without explicitly referencing this attack or any other incidents in Balochistan province.
It is important to note that seeking refuge in a foreign country is a basic right protected by international law. Pakistan has been host to hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees, particularly since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. According to the UN, approximately 1.3 million Afghans are registered as refugees and an additional 880,000 have legal status to remain in Pakistan.
However, Mr. Bugti claims that there are approximately 1.7 million people in the country “illegally”. These individuals have not acquired refugee status yet. He has stated that they must leave the country by the end of the month, whether voluntarily or through forced deportation. The details of how this operation will be conducted remain unclear.
The Pakistani government has also announced the formation of a task force aimed at identifying and confiscating private businesses and assets of “illegal” Afghans in the country. This move further intensifies the pressure on Afghan asylum seekers.
In response to the crackdown order, Afghan officials in Pakistan have reported that local authorities have already started rounding up Afghans, regardless of their legal status to remain. Over 1,000 Afghans have been detained in the past two weeks alone. This situation raises concerns about the treatment and well-being of these individuals.
Balochistan province, located near the border, has been a frequent target of armed fighters such as the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State militant group. The area has experienced several violent incidents, including bombings and attacks targeting religious and political figures.
It is concerning to note that the Pakistani government reportedly wants all Afghans, including those with legal status and residence cards, to eventually leave the country. If implemented, this would have far-reaching consequences for the Afghan community in Pakistan.
Mr. Bugti has cited 24 suicide bombings along Pakistan’s border since January, with more than half of them attributed to militants operating from Afghanistan. As a result, Pakistan has announced tighter restrictions on Afghans entering the country from 1 November. Only visitors with visas and passports will be allowed in, eliminating the previous practice of using national identity cards as travel documents. This change may result in difficulties for Afghans seeking to enter Pakistan, as there is already a significant backlog of individuals waiting for travel documents.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s order for Afghan asylum seekers to leave the country by November has significant implications and raises concerns about the treatment and well-being of these individuals. The spike in militant attacks along the border and the recent blast in Mastung city have intensified tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is crucial that the rights of Afghan asylum seekers are protected in accordance with international law, and that their safety and well-being are ensured during the deportation process. Additionally, the Pakistani government should provide clear guidelines and procedures for the implementation of this order, addressing any potential human rights concerns. Furthermore, efforts should be made to address the root causes of the tensions between the two countries and work towards a peaceful resolution.