The Afghan Taliban has voiced its disapproval of Pakistan’s recent decision to expel undocumented Afghan nationals and urged authorities to reconsider this policy.
This statement follows Pakistan’s announcement that its caretaker government has issued an ultimatum to all undocumented immigrants, including Afghan nationals, requiring them to leave Pakistan by October 31. Failure to comply could result in imprisonment and deportation to their respective countries.
The decision was made during an apex committee meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and attended by the army chief and other high-ranking officials. The committee also established that border crossings would now require passports and visas, with electronic Afghan identity cards (e-tazkiras) only being accepted until October 31.
After the deadline passes, authorities will launch an operation targeting illegal properties and businesses owned by immigrants or those operated in collaboration with Pakistani nationals.
More related: Crackdown on Afghan refugees in Pakistan amid rising tensions
In a statement shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), both in Urdu and English, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Afghan Taliban’s spokesperson, expressed his strong objection to the treatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. He called it “unacceptable” and urged Pakistani authorities to revise their policy in this regard.
Mujahid emphasized that Afghan refugees are not responsible for Pakistan’s security issues and suggested that as long as they voluntarily leave Pakistan, the country should accommodate them.
The situation highlights the escalating tension surrounding the expulsion of Afghan nationals and the need for diplomatic efforts to address this complex issue.
