Pakistan’s Stand An Afghan Deportations – OpEd
Pakistan is facing a complex and pressing set of challenges that necessitate the deportation of Afghan refugees, despite the concerns raised by the United Nations.
While the UN emphasizes human rights and urges the government to consider the safety of the refugees, Pakistan’s decision is deeply rooted in its internal security concerns and its struggle to manage a fragile economic situation. The presence of nearly 3 million Afghan nationals, including both documented and undocumented migrants, has placed an overwhelming burden on Pakistan’s resources. With mounting pressure from its citizens regarding rising crime rates, militant activities, and resource shortages, Pakistan believes that it must take decisive action to secure its borders and protect its people.
The government’s perspective is shaped by the belief that the influx of refugees, especially after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, has exacerbated national security challenges. Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in insurgency and militancy in its border regions, much of which is linked to Taliban forces and other extremist groups that operate in the region. Islamabad argues that the continued presence of Afghan nationals who may have connections to these insurgents is contributing to the growing instability within Pakistan’s own borders. For Pakistan, deportation is seen not only as a necessary step to reclaim control over its own territory but also as a move to reduce potential threats to its security.
Furthermore, Pakistan’s economic situation has deteriorated significantly in recent years. The country is grappling with a financial crisis, rising inflation, and mounting debt. The government simply cannot continue to provide for millions of refugees while simultaneously struggling to address the needs of its own citizens. The cost of hosting such a large population providing healthcare, education, and basic services has become unsustainable. The refugees, despite many having lived in Pakistan for decades, place a strain on a nation already overwhelmed by its own economic challenges.
The UN’s call for Pakistan to consider the human rights of Afghan refugees, particularly ethnic minorities, women, and journalists who may face persecution upon return to Afghanistan, is understood, but it fails to recognize the broader picture Pakistan is facing. The government is not indifferent to the suffering of these refugees but is caught in a difficult situation. Pakistan has been vocal in asking for greater international support in resettling Afghan refugees, especially those who assisted foreign forces during the Afghanistan conflict. However, with the international community’s attention shifting to other priorities, Pakistan is left to shoulder the burden on its own.
While the UN urges Pakistan to follow international standards and ensure due process, Pakistan’s position is that the country has the sovereign right to manage its borders and national security. Pakistan is already under significant pressure from its own population, who view the large presence of Afghan nationals as a threat to their safety and livelihood. The government has emphasized that the deportation process will be carried out in phases, with efforts to relocate refugees to camps before their eventual repatriation. Additionally, Pakistan has promised to work with international organizations to ensure that refugees are treated humanely during the process.
The UN’s concerns about forced deportations and the risk of harm upon return to Afghanistan are legitimate, but Pakistan contends that the larger issue of national security and economic survival cannot be ignored. Islamabad is facing the difficult task of balancing its humanitarian obligations with the pressing need to protect its own citizens and ensure stability within its borders. Pakistan believes that the international community, including the UN, should take more responsibility in providing long-term solutions, including resettlement options, for Afghan refugees. Until such support is provided, Pakistan has no choice but to act in its own interest, even if it means deporting refugees who have been living in the country for years.
Pakistan’s position on deporting Afghan refugees is therefore not an act of disregard for human rights but a reflection of its struggle to manage internal instability. The government is committed to ensuring that the deportation process is as orderly and humane as possible under the circumstances. However, it cannot disregard the urgent security and economic needs of the country in favor of humanitarian considerations alone. The international community, including the UN, must recognize the challenges faced by Pakistan and collaborate more effectively to find solutions that protect both the refugees and Pakistan’s sovereignty.
