The crackdown against Afghan refugees in Pakistan has intensified. This month, approximately 22,000 citizens were expelled from Punjab province. Security agencies are on high alert, while international organizations have criticized the move.
Pakistan News: The government in Pakistan has initiated a strict crackdown against Afghan refugees. For some time now, the Punjab provincial government in Pakistan has intensified its campaign to deport Afghan citizens residing illegally. This month, approximately 22,000 Afghan citizens were expelled from the province. As part of this measure, extensive security arrangements have been implemented to remove all illegal residents from Pakistan.
Last Afghan Refugee Camp Closed
The last Afghan refugee camp in Punjab province has also been closed. Located in Kot Chandana in Mianwali district, this camp has now been declared de-notified. Previously, within the province, 6,000 people held residence permits, 11,000 had Afghan Citizen Cards, and 5,041 were residing illegally. Currently, approximately 423 individuals are being held in designated detention centers. Additionally, four Afghan refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and ten in Balochistan are still operational.
Punjab Police Information
A spokesperson for the Punjab Police stated that the campaign to deport foreign nationals residing illegally is in its third phase. He added that the government has expelled approximately 22,000 Afghan citizens from the province this month. The spokesperson also mentioned that prior to the launch of this campaign, from April to September, around 43,000 Afghan citizens had already been repatriated under Pakistan's Illegal Foreign Repatriation Plan (IFRP). Security arrangements have been placed on high alert during this process.
Security Arrangements on High Alert
Security agencies in Punjab province are on high alert. All deported Afghan citizens are being safely brought to detention centers, and the process of sending them back to their country is being conducted in a completely organized manner. The spokesperson stated that teams from the police and other security agencies are continuously monitoring to prevent any untoward incidents during the operation.
History of Afghan Refugees
Afghan refugees arrived in Pakistan during the civil war. When Afghanistan was engulfed in civil war, millions sought refuge in various parts of Pakistan. According to estimates, there were initially approximately 2 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan. In the past two years, about 1 to 1.2 million Afghan citizens have been expelled from the country.
Criticism of Pakistan's Actions
International human rights organizations and Afghan representatives have criticized Pakistan's actions. They contend that such treatment of millions of Afghan citizens constitutes a violation of their rights. Many experts consider this a move against the dignity and security of Afghan citizens. They fear that Afghan citizens deported without proper arrangements could become vulnerable and face increased threats to their lives.
Pakistan's Rationale
The Government of Pakistan states that it is necessary to control foreign nationals residing illegally. According to the government, it is imperative to repatriate those who have failed to obtain legal residence status through proper procedures. A spokesperson for Punjab province said that this action is in the interest of the refugees and that the campaign to reduce the number of illegal residents will continue.
