Gandapur Calls for Citizenship Rights for Afghan Refugees
Why Gandapur Wants Citizenship for Afghans in Pakistan
KP – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) -Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has asked the federal government to grant Pakistani citizenship to Afghan nationals. He believes many Afghans can bring billions of dollars in investment, strengthening Pakistan’s economy.
In an interview with Samaa TV, Gandapur urged the government to ease its citizenship policy. He said Afghans living in Pakistan should be allowed to play a bigger role in economic growth.
“Afghans have big businesses here and can invest billions. If countries like Britain, the USA, and Belgium can grant them citizenship, why can’t Pakistan?” Gandapur stated.
On the ongoing flood crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gandapur explained he could not visit Punjab to express solidarity with flood victims.
Pakistan’s August oil sales jump 7% to 1.3m tonnes.
He added that Punjab remains close to KP’s heart, saying, “The people of Punjab are our brothers. We are ready to help whenever needed.”
Gandapur’s comments come as the deadline for Afghan nationals with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards to leave Pakistan has expired. Officials said only Afghans with valid visas will stay. Those with expired visas will get support before deportation.
Authorities are showing leniency to Afghans holding medical and study visas. So far, 16,400 Afghans have been deported from Islamabad, according to official sources.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has raised concerns about Pakistan’s decision to return Afghan refugees with PoR cards. In its August 5 statement, UNHCR reported arrests and detentions of Afghans, including registered refugees, under Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.