Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently in jail, criticized the deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan on Thursday.
“1.5 million refugees are not much of a burden for a nation of 250 million people. There is a fear of a permanent rift in the long-standing relationship between the two countries, considering the way Afghan refugees are being expelled,” Imran Khan wrote on his social media X.
He emphasized the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, rooted in centuries-old relationships of their people.
“Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for 40 years but the fruits of this years-long hospitality are being wasted just because of a poor strategy, “Khan said.
Imran Khan cautioned that the forced expulsion of refugees could lead to a lasting rift in the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for a more considerate approach.
He strongly urged the government to reconsider its policy and opt for a more “respectful” strategy for the repatriation of Afghan refugees, recognizing the delicate nature of this issue.
The former Prime Minister’s remarks highlight the significance of a compassionate and diplomatic approach in addressing the challenges posed by the presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
In October, Pakistan issued a one-month deadline, expiring on November 1, for all undocumented foreigners to depart, with the threat of forcible expulsion.
This move by Pakistan has drawn criticism from Afghanistan, the UN, Amnesty International, and various organizations, all advocating for a voluntary and pressure-free return of the undocumented refugees.
Since Islamabad’s announcement of plans to deport illegal migrants, over 400,000 Afghan refugees have left Pakistan, reflecting the significant impact of the policy on the refugee population.
