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Pakistan has begun the process of repatriating illegal Afghan refugees, marking a significant development in the long-standing humanitarian issue. For years, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees who fled conflict and instability in their homeland. This return signals the improving security situation in parts of Afghanistan, encouraging refugees to return to their home country.
This decision mainly affects the 1.7 million Afghan refugees who live in Pakistan without proper documentation. Government claims that the expulsion of the refugees is necessary for security reasons, as it accuses some of them of being involved in terrorist attacks. However, human rights groups and the United Nations have criticized Pakistan’s plan as a violation of international law and a potential humanitarian crisis.
The Afghan refugees who are forced to leave Pakistan face an uncertain and bleak future in their home country, which is now under the control of the Taliban. Many of them have established their lives, businesses, and families in Pakistan, and have no place to go back to in Afghanistan. Some of them fear persecution while others worry about the lack of basic services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities in Afghanistan, which is facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
The deportation of the Afghan refugees is not only a tragedy for them, but also a loss for Pakistan, which has benefited from their presence and contributions. The Afghan refugees have enriched Pakistan’s culture, economy, and society with their skills, diversity, and resilience.
While challenges remain, this repatriation reflects a positive shift towards stability and normalcy in Afghanistan, offering hope to those who had sought refuge across the border. However, it also underscores the importance of international support for both Pakistan and Afghanistan as they navigate this complex process.
