Pakistan Cracks Down on Illegal Immigration: Plans to Deport 1.7 Million Afghans Spark Panic and Criticism

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed its plans to deport all illegal immigrants, including 1.7 million Afghans, in a phased and orderly manner. The announcement, made earlier this week, caused panic among those living in Pakistan without proper documentation and drew criticism from human rights groups. The foreign ministry clarified that the policy is not specifically targeted at Afghans but applies to all illegal individuals in the country, regardless of their nationality. The spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, emphasized that Pakistan has been generously hosting Afghan refugees for the past four decades, and those 1.4 million Afghan nationals who are registered as refugees in the country should not be concerned.

She stated that the policy aims to address illegal individuals and is not intended to target Afghan refugees. Baloch also highlighted that Pakistan's laws regarding illegal migration are similar to those of many other countries. Amnesty International has urged Pakistan to allow Afghans to continue living in the country, while the UN Secretary-General's spokesperson expressed concerns about the policy, emphasizing the importance of voluntary and dignified returns for refugees. The Taliban government's chief spokesman in Kabul, Zabihullah Mujahid, criticized Pakistan's announcement, calling it unacceptable and urging Islamabad to reconsider.

However, Baloch clarified that the crackdown on illegal migrants is not a bargaining strategy with the Afghan Taliban authorities. It is worth noting that while Pakistani security forces have previously arrested and deported Afghans without valid documents, this is the first time that the government has announced plans for a major deportation operation. The decision comes amid an increase in attacks by the Pakistani Taliban, who have bases in Afghanistan and frequently cross into Pakistan to stage attacks.

Baloch revealed that some illegal migrants, including Afghans, have already started returning to their countries, and a grace period will be provided until the end of the month. Pakistan has long called on the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan to cease their support for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Baloch stated that Pakistan's Foreign Minister held productive talks with Afghanistan's Taliban-appointed Foreign Minister in China, urging the Afghan Taliban to disarm the TTP to prevent Afghan territory from becoming a launching pad for attacks on Pakistan.

The spokesperson reiterated that the crackdown on illegal migrants is not aimed at bargaining with the Afghan Taliban authorities but is solely intended to address the issue of illegal migration. Pakistan's objective is for all illegal migrants, regardless of nationality, to return to their respective countries.