By (Mehmood Baloch)
Earlier this month, the Caretaker government issued an order mandating the departure of all “illegal” migrants. This directive has left millions in fear of being repatriated to the country they had fled. According to the United Nations, approximately 3.7 million Afghans, who have been escaping war, poverty, and political instability in their home country, currently reside in Pakistan. However, Islamabad’s official estimate puts the number as high as 4.4 million.
Pakistani authorities argue that only around 1.4 million Afghans possess the necessary documentation, primarily the Proof of Registration (PoR) card, which permits them to remain legally in Pakistan. Essentially, the crackdown is aimed at addressing the issue of illegal immigration, targeting individuals who entered the country through unauthorized means and lack registered refugee documentation.
Regarding Balochistan, it ranks as the second-largest host province for refugees, housing 26% of the total Afghan refugee population after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).
This crackdown serves the greater interests of both the host nation and the refugees, particularly in light of the upsurge in terrorism following the fall of Kabul in 2021. To illustrate, out of the 24 suicide attacks that have occurred thus far, 14 of the perpetrators have been identified as Afghan nationals. These individuals entered Pakistan through illegal means and settled in the country under the guise of being refugees, lacking any Proof of Registration (PoR) documentation. Incidents of this nature have raised doubts about the Afghan population residing in Pakistan. Those who are registered as refugees with complete documentation possess legal rights and refugee status, which makes them eligible to reside in Pakistan. In contrast, individuals lacking any form of documentation to substantiate their refugee status are subject to deportation.
Pakistan is not closing its doors to Afghan refugees; rather, it will only admit those who undergo a registration process to enter the country legally, in accordance with established international refugee standards.
This situation underscores the importance of striking a balance between security measures and humanitarian obligations. The upsurge in terrorism incidents involving some illegal Afghan residents has heightened the urgency of addressing these issues, but it is essential to distinguish between those who genuinely pose a threat and those who are fleeing dire circumstances.
The crackdown on illegal residents should serve as an opportunity for Pakistan to streamline its refugee policy, ensuring that it aligns with international standards and respects the rights of registered refugees. The emphasis should be on providing a pathway for legal entry, which safeguards both the interests of the host nation and the well-being of refugees. It is crucial for Pakistan to continue extending a helping hand to Afghan refugees in their time of need while maintaining the rule of law and security within its borders.
Ultimately, the challenges surrounding Afghan migration to Pakistan are complex, but with thoughtful and comprehensive policies, the nation can navigate this issue while upholding its humanitarian values and maintaining its national security.
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