Pakistan has launched an unprecedented operation to expel hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghan migrants, issuing a stark 48-hour ultimatum for their departure from the country.
The massive deportation drive comes amid growing security concerns in Pakistan, with officials blaming recent militant attacks on individuals crossing from Afghanistan. The Taliban-led government in Kabul has responded with sharp criticism, condemning the move as "unacceptable" while urging Pakistani authorities to reconsider.
Security Concerns Drive Drastic Measures
According to Pakistani interior minister Sarfraz Bugti, the decision stems from escalating security threats, with fourteen of this year's twenty-four suicide bombings allegedly involving Afghan nationals. "We have given them a deadline of November 1 to leave voluntarily," Bugti stated, warning that those remaining beyond the cutoff would face forced removal.
The crackdown particularly targets an estimated 1.7 million undocumented Afghans among the four million currently residing in Pakistan. Many have lived in the country for decades, having fled successive conflicts in their homeland.
Taliban Condemns "Unacceptable" Treatment
From the Afghan capital, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid expressed strong opposition to Pakistan's approach. "The Pakistani side should reconsider its plan," Mujahid declared, adding that Afghan refugees "are not involved in Pakistan's security problems."
The Taliban administration has called for more time to facilitate an orderly return process, arguing that the rushed timeline creates unnecessary hardship for families who have established lives in Pakistan.
Humanitarian Crisis Looms
Human rights organizations have raised alarms about the potential humanitarian consequences. With winter approaching and Afghanistan's economy in crisis, the sudden influx of returnees could overwhelm already strained resources.
Border crossing points have witnessed chaotic scenes as families scramble to gather belongings and arrange transportation ahead of the deadline. Many long-term residents face the prospect of returning to a country they haven't seen in years, with uncertain prospects for housing and employment.
The mass deportation represents one of the largest forced population movements in recent South Asian history, with implications for regional stability and bilateral relations between the neighbouring nations.
