KP Welcomes Government’s Decision to Repel Afghan Refugees

Peshawar – The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have largely supported the government’s decision to repatriate Afghan refugees from Pakistan, calling it a long-overdue and necessary step for the country’s security. The Pakistani government has set a firm deadline of March 31 for Afghan nationals, including Afghan Citizen Card holders, to leave the country.

Afghan refugees have been residing in Pakistan for decades, with the government extending shelter and support. However, mounting concerns over national security, particularly following several terrorist attacks allegedly linked to Afghan refugees, have prompted the government to take decisive action. The decision specifically targets undocumented foreigners and Afghan nationals holding Citizen Cards.

Locals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that shares a border with Afghanistan, have voiced their approval, citing the growing burden Afghan refugees have placed on resources, security, and the economy. “Afghan refugees have been living here for too long, and their presence has increasingly been tied to criminal activities. This decision is crucial for restoring peace in the region,” said one resident.

While Pakistan has historically extended hospitality to Afghan nationals, many citizens in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and across the country believe that the escalating crime rates, terrorism, and instances of theft are connected to the influx of Afghan refugees. The repatriation decision is seen as a vital move to curb these threats and restore security in Pakistan.

“There’s no denying that Afghanistan has long been a source of instability in the region. While we opened our doors to Afghan nationals, many Pakistanis feel that our hospitality has been repaid with acts of terror against our people,” said another local. “The government’s decision to enforce the March 31 deadline is justified. It should have been done much earlier.”

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Residents have also called for a smooth and orderly repatriation process, urging the government to ensure that the deadline is met without causing unnecessary hardships to the refugees.

Many Pakistanis are hopeful that the repatriation of Afghan nationals will help stabilize the country and put an end to the rising security challenges linked to terrorism. They acknowledge that Afghanistan’s instability has contributed to the difficulties faced by Pakistan, but they also stress that the well-being and safety of Pakistanis must come first.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the execution of this plan and how the government handles the logistical challenges of repatriating hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals.