Deporting Afghan Refugees from Pakistan: A Policy Analysis
Pakistan initially set a deadline for refugees to leave the nation by the end of the year, but authorities extended this deadline until February 29th, 2024. Those who remain beyond this date will incur a fine of $100 per month, up to a maximum of $800.
The presence of Afghan refugees has posed security challenges. They were granted freedom of movement throughout the country, engaged in businesses, and acquired properties without stringent oversight. However, successive governments failed to implement comprehensive planning in managing their integration. Consequently, they inadvertently imported the drug and Kalashnikov culture.
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As early as March 13, 1996, The Washington Post reported instances of Afghan soldiers smuggling automatic rifles and heavier weaponry across the border to supplement their incomes. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto highlighted the repercussions, attributing Pakistan’s gun predicament to its involvement in expelling Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Bhutto emphasized the burden left on Pakistan to deal with arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and religious extremism stemming from the Afghan conflict.
According to reports, three arms dealers in Landi Kotal, situated just five miles from the Afghan border, acknowledged sourcing their entire inventory from Afghanistan, with some replicas originating from local gun shops in Darra Adam Khel, located 25 miles south of Peshawar.
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The porous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan exacerbates security vulnerabilities, allowing potential threats to infiltrate the country undetected. The ease with which individuals can blend into Afghan immigrant communities and execute sleeper cell attacks underscores the urgency of addressing border security.
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated significantly, particularly since the ban on the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) by the Pakistani government in November 2023. Regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Baluchistan have experienced a surge in terrorist activities originating from across the border.
According to an annual security report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan recorded a distressing six-year high of 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries resulting from 789 terror incidents and counter-terrorism operations in 2023 (as reported by Dawn News).
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Despite Pakistan’s continuous communication with the Afghan government regarding shared security concerns, there has been a lack of concerted efforts to address cross-border attacks. This is particularly troubling given Pakistan’s hospitality in accommodating millions of Afghan refugees despite economic hardships.
The repatriation of Afghan refugees should have been prioritized and executed decades ago. While this decision may strain relations with Afghanistan, it is imperative for the long-term security and stability of Pakistan.
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The writer is a lawyer, academic and political analyst. She has authored a book titled ‘A Comparative Analysis of Media & Media Laws in Pakistan.’ She can be contacted at: yasmeenali62@gmail.com and tweets at @yasmeen_9
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Thanks for sharing useful information