Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Thousands of Afghan have swamped Pakistan’s main northwestern border crossing seeking to cross into Afghanistan on Thursday, as Islamabad has begun a fierce mass-expulsion of undocumented refugees. The move comes after a Wednesday deadline for Afghans living in Pakistan illegally expired, resulting in thousands flocking to the northwestern border crossing of Torkham, the primary entry point for returning Afghans.
Abdul Nasir Khan, the deputy commissioner for the Khyber district, reported that facilities at Torkham have been increased threefold to accommodate the growing number of returnees. He emphasized that the expansion has improved the situation for the returnees, as they no longer need to wait in long queues.
Pakistan’s decision to expel over one million of the approximately four million Afghans residing in the country has been met with opposition from the United Nations, rights groups, and Western embassies. Pakistani authorities claim that these individuals have been involved in Islamist militant activities and crimes that threaten the country’s security. In contrast, Kabul denies these allegations, considering the security issue within Pakistan’s domestic jurisdiction and urging Islamabad to reconsider its actions.
In response to the sudden influx of returnees, the Taliban-run administration in Afghanistan has set up temporary transit camps to provide food and medical assistance to those returning.
The government of Pakistan had initiated the process of rounding up undocumented foreigners, primarily Afghans, in the hours leading up to the expulsion deadline. Those who fail to leave face the risk of arrest and forcible expulsion, as outlined in a government ultimatum issued a month ago.
According to Abdul Nasir Khan, a total of 19,744 Afghans crossed the border on Thursday, out of a total of 147,949 since the government announced the expulsion deadline. Additionally, more than 35,000 undocumented Afghans have departed through another southwestern Pakistani border crossing at Chaman.
Pakistan’s argument for the mass expulsions revolves around concerns of rising crime and terror attacks attributed to illegal migrants, as well as the strain placed on its economy. However, critics argue that the responsibility for these challenges lies with Pakistan’s internal policies, which have been characterized by power struggles and mixed approaches to dealing with extremist groups.
As Pakistan prepares for national elections in January, it faces multiple economic challenges, including hyperinflation, a balance of payment crisis, and a depreciating rupee. While the deportation of a significant number of Afghan refugees is seen as a response to these issues, some argue that addressing these problems requires a more comprehensive approach rather than scapegoating vulnerable refugees.
