KP CM Slams Federal Afghan Refugee Policy, Calls for Security Talks

KP CM Criticizes Lack of Resources for Police, Promises Increased Funding

By DTD- On Mar 16, 2025

PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has sharply criticized the federal government’s policy of expelling Afghan refugees and “illegal foreigners” from Pakistan, calling it a flawed approach that violates human rights. His remarks come weeks after the federal government set a March 31 deadline for Afghan nationals, including those holding Afghan Citizen Cards, to leave the country.

While addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Sunday, Gandapur expressed strong disapproval of the Centre’s decision to forcibly expel Afghan refugees, highlighting that many of them have lived in Pakistan for decades. He further stressed that Afghan refugees who wish to acquire Pakistani nationality should be granted citizenship, especially those without a criminal record.

“The Centre’s policy on Afghan refugees is flawed… The approach taken in the past violated human rights,” he said, adding that he disagreed with the forced expulsion of Afghan refugees.

Pakistan launched a repatriation drive in 2023 targeting undocumented foreign nationals, particularly Afghan citizens, with the United Nations reporting that over 800,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan since the initiative began. However, KP, which hosts the largest number of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, remains a focal point in this ongoing issue.

Gandapur emphasized that Afghan refugees living legally in the country should not face expulsion. Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is home to the highest number of Afghan nationals, many of whom have lived and worked in the city for decades, running businesses and contributing to the local economy.

On the rising wave of terrorism in the region, the KP Chief Minister criticized the federal government’s handling of security issues, blaming the surge in attacks on the government’s neglect of its responsibilities during the political turmoil under former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tenure.

“When the state focused on crushing one party, it neglected its own responsibilities, leading to a surge in terrorism,” Gandapur said, citing the deteriorating security situation as a result of the Centre’s incompetence.

The Chief Minister also lamented the lack of progress in talks with Afghanistan on cross-border terrorism, stating that two months have passed since KP forwarded terms of reference (ToRs) for such discussions, but the federal government has yet to approve them.

He praised KP’s provincial police for their efforts to combat terrorism but criticized the lack of resources provided to law enforcement agencies, noting that police had not been equipped with new weapons in the past decade. Gandapur stressed that once the province receives its rightful share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, his government will prioritize increasing police salaries and funding essential security projects.

Lastly, the Chief Minister warned of potential protests if KP’s NFC share is not allocated, urging the federal government to engage in negotiations with the province to resolve the financial issues. “If they are out of funds, they should sit with us and find a solution,” he concluded.