Afghan Taliban Spokesperson Condemns Pakistan Settler Notice
Pakistan To Expel Undocumented Settlers
Overt Operator
October 05, 2023
In a recent development, Zabihullah Mujahid, the representative for the Afghan Taliban, has expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan's decision to expel undocumented Afghan nationals.
"The behavior of Pakistan against Afghan refugees is unacceptable. The Pakistani side should reconsider its plan," Mujahid wrote, in a post to X (formerly Twitter) on October 4.
"Afghan refugees are not involved in Pakistan's security problems. As long as they leave Pakistan voluntarily, that country should tolerate them," Mujahid continued.
This comes after Pakistan's government issued a final notice, requiring all undocumented foreigners, including Afghan nationals, to leave the country by October 31 or face detention and deportation.
The Afghan Taliban representative has taken to social media platforms to voice his concerns in both Urdu and English, urging Pakistani authorities to reconsider their stance on Afghan refugees.
Pakistan To Expel Undocumented Settlers
The decision to expel undocumented immigrants was made during a high-level meeting led by State head Anwaarul Haq Kakar, attended by military leaders and other officials.
One of the key decisions made during this meeting was the requirement for passports and visas for cross-border movement, with electronic Afghan identity cards (e-tazkiras) being accepted until October 31.
After this deadline, authorities are set to launch operations targeting illegal properties and businesses owned by migrants or in collaboration with Pakistani nationals.
Taliban's Stance on Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
Zabihullah Mujahid's statement emphasizes that Afghan refugees should not be held responsible for Pakistan's security issues. He argues that as long as Afghan refugees leave Pakistan voluntarily, the host country should tolerate their presence.
Mujahid's plea highlights the overwhelming and sensitive nature of the Afghan refugee situation, urging Pakistani authorities to reconsider their policy and treatment of Afghan refugees.
Impact of the Afghan Refugee Crisis
The Afghan refugee crisis has been a long-standing issue for Pakistan, with millions of Afghans seeking refuge in the country due to decades of conflict inAfghanistan.
Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for years, providing shelter, education, and healthcare. However, the recent decision to expel undocumented Afghan nationals has raised concerns about the fate of these individuals and the strain it may place on Afghanistan's already fragile economy.
Revisiting the Afghan Refugee Policy
Given the complexities and challenges associated with the Afghan refugee crisis, Pakistan has been called on by Amnesty International to revisit its policy and find a balanced solution.
While the security concerns raised by Pakistani authorities are valid, it is crucial to ensure that innocent Afghan refugees are not unjustly targeted or subjected to undue hardships.
Geopolitical analysts caution balancing security concerns with humanitarian considerations is crucial to ensure the well-being of both Afghan refugees and the host country.
As the expulsion deadline looms, it remains to be seen whether Pakistan will revisit its policy and find a sustainable solution to this complex issue.