Pakistan’s Forced Expulsion of Afghan Refugees Stirs Controversy, Taliban Reacts
The Taliban have condemned Pakistan’s decision to expel Afghan refugees, warning that such actions could deepen mistrust between the two nations.
DESK -Afghanistan’s Taliban have openly criticized Pakistan for forcefully expelling Afghan refugees, a move they believe will only exacerbate tensions and mistrust between the two countries. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid expressed concerns that these actions could lead to increased animosity toward Pakistan among Afghans.
The reaction from the Taliban comes in the wake of claims by Balochistan’s caretaker information minister, Jan Achakzai, that Pakistan would continue to repatriate Afghan refugees, regardless of the incoming political government. Achakzai asserted that this is a sovereign decision of the state, indicating a commitment to the policy even after new government formation.
Contradicting Achakzai’s claims, Mujahid denied any terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan and refuted allegations that Afghan soil is being used against Pakistan.
This development follows Achakzai’s previous call for Afghan officials to manage the return of refugees crossing the Durand Line into Afghanistan.
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan, has called for a joint commission between Kabul and Islamabad to address the refugee issue. He emphasized that unilateral decisions could negatively impact Kabul-Islamabad relations.
Amidst these political tensions, Pakistan has blamed Afghanistan for the rise in terror attacks within its borders. Following Pakistan’s announcement of a deadline for undocumented Afghans to leave, about 200,000 Afghans have reportedly returned home via the Torkham border. Pakistan has ordered approximately 1.7 million undocumented Afghans to leave or face deportation.
