Afghan Refugees

The uptick in Afghan refugees is not new; it has happened in the past as well. The Pakistani government has called for all undocumented migrants to leave the country by November 1, or they will face deportation. This decision will significantly impact the 1.7 million Afghan refugees who live in the country without documentation. However, the question that looms is why Pakistan is sending Afghans back to their home. Is Pakistan as cruel as other countries that have expelled undocumented migrants, or is there another reason compelling Pakistan to take these necessary steps?

Pakistan has witnessed a dramatic upsurge in violence this year, primarily in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan, both of which share a border with Afghanistan. The government contends that the Afghan Taliban is pursuing its own agenda to outmaneuver Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, as evidenced by a staggering 300-plus attacks occurring in KPK alone this year, resulting in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives. The war, which began 23 years ago, shows no signs of abating, and the international community appears indifferent to the plight of Pakistan, as it lacks a powerful ally to advocate for its interests. Consequently, Pakistan finds itself compelled to take necessary precautions to safeguard its own population, as returning to a state of conflict by engaging in military action within its own cities is an undesirable prospect.

In contrast, the interim Afghan government has taken a firm stance against Pakistan's decision, urging reconsideration. Pakistan, however, remains resolute in its position. The prospect of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan appears increasingly untenable, given the extreme measures taken by the Taliban government. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Pakistan to adopt stringent measures to secure its borders and protect its people.

Pakistan has been embroiled in continuous conflict since 2001, and the repatriation of Afghan refugees to their homeland is not inherently inhumane, as they possess their own country and territory in which to reside as they see fit. Nevertheless, sacrificing Pakistani lives to accommodate Afghan refugees seems irrational, especially when Afghanistan lacks control over its border security. Pakistan has been criticized for labeling this situation as inhumane. However, if these refugees regarded Pakistan as their own nation, it would likely result in a decrease in violence in these two regions of Pakistan, as we are essentially sharing our home at a substantial cost, including the loss of our own citizens.

This situation can be deeply distressing for those who consider Pakistan their homeland, but it's due to the actions of a few who have instigated this wave of violence that every refugee must bear the consequences. Afghan nationals who have resided here for decades are now compelled to leave their homes, only to find themselves in a state of conflict.

Rather than placing blame on Pakistan for not accommodating them, the international community should extend a helping hand to empower the Afghan people in rebuilding their own nation. Afghanistan currently stands as one of the most forsaken countries globally. Since 2001, a staggering 5.9 million Afghans have either been internally displaced or have sought refuge in other nations, primarily Pakistan and Iran, where they've encountered precarious political circumstances. Instead of delivering lectures on humanity, world nations should reflect on how many times they've turned a blind eye to acts of genocide. Afghans must take the initiative to rebuild their country within their own borders.

The solution that lies ahead is peace talks with Afghanistan and the support of world nations. Afghanistan is currently one of the most war-torn regions in the world, with over 40 million people living in extreme suffering and inhumane conditions. These individuals desperately need the support of the international community, and Pakistan is always willing to help. However, the situation calls for the collective efforts of global superpowers that have often been involved in igniting conflicts in war-torn countries. It is now time to empower those who are enduring immense hardships.