Image source- The New Arab
Pakistan plans to evict thousands of Afghani refugees based on the allegation that Afghani citizens are responsible for Pakistan’s security crisis.
Islamabad launched a massive repression of illegal migrants in the country including as many as 1.7 million undocumented Afghans which has worsened the already weary ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Pakistan issued the ultimatum to the immigrants following a meeting of civil and military authorities to assess the law and order situation in the aftermath of two suicide attacks on Friday that killed at least 57 people. According to Sarfraz Bugti, Caretaker Minister of the Interior of Pakistan, one of the suicide bombers was an Afghan citizen. The Afghanis living in Pakistan without any legal status are given a deadline; of November 1st, within which they ought to leave.
In contrast to the crisis, looking back over the years shows a different perspective of Pakistan. In 2006, the registration exercise for Afghans who were issued with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards had begun. In 2017, the documentation of un-registered Afghan nationals – ACC (Afghan Citizen Card) was done which was fully funded by the Government of Pakistan.
Now, to explain the repression, Sarfraz Bugti said that 14 of the 24 suicide attacks in Pakistan this year were carried out by Afghan nationals. The Taliban and Pakistani relations have worsened significantly, with border clashes blocking the primary commercial route between the two countries temporarily. Islamabad claims that armed organizations are using Afghan territory to train militants and plot operations within Pakistan. The Taliban contests the charge, claiming that Pakistan’s security issues are self-inflicted.
This situation highlights the complexities of regional dynamics and border security challenges, with both countries facing the consequences of strained relations and border clashes. The eviction of hundreds and thousands of Afghan citizens represents a significant development in an already fraught relationship, with potential repercussions for both nations and the broader region.