By: Musawir Qureshi
The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Governor’s Rule and an emergency administration have now replaced the previous provincial government setup, has once again warned Afghan refugees to pack their belongings and return to their homeland, Afghanistan, voluntarily. At a time when Pakistan itself is facing serious challenges, the problems of Afghan refugees are also increasing. The Afghan refugee issue is closely linked to Pakistan’s national security, economy, law, and humanitarian responsibilities.
For several decades, Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees. However, the time has come for the Afghan government to take responsibility for its own citizens and make arrangements for their dignified return to Afghanistan. Many Afghan nationals have reportedly been detained by Pakistani authorities and sent back to Afghanistan, leaving their families deeply distressed. In some cases, the men are in Afghanistan while their wives and children remain in Pakistan. The plight of such families must be addressed, and arrangements should also be made for the safe return of women and children so that they do not have to endure further hardship and separation.
Afghans did not come to Pakistan in search of luxury or a comfortable life. Millions were forced to leave their homeland because of wars and insecurity. In particular, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, and surrounding areas helped Afghan refugees to the best of their ability. They supported them in finding accommodation and establishing businesses, often enduring difficulties themselves rather than abandoning their Afghan brothers and sisters.
Unfortunately, despite this hospitality, some anti-Pakistan Afghan voices continue to use abusive language against the very Pashtuns and Pakistani citizens who supported them. Such attitudes are fueling hatred between Pakistan and Afghanistan and turning longstanding friendship into hostility.
Despite its economic difficulties, Pakistan has carried the burden of hosting millions of people. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also felt the impact of this responsibility in their daily lives.
It must be remembered, however, that hospitality does not mean that a country’s laws should be ignored indefinitely. Pakistan has the right to protect its borders, maintain the integrity of its national identity system, and enforce laws governing the residence of foreign nationals.
For many years, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suffered from terrorism and insecurity. The government and security agencies must take serious measures against terrorism, fake identity cards, and illegal activities.
According to reports, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken action in connection with the alleged illegal issuance of Pakistani identity cards and passports to Afghan nationals. It has been reported that a case was registered against 14 Afghan nationals, while investigations also brought to light allegations involving payments ranging from Rs800,000 to Rs2.8 million for obtaining fake documents.
The manufacture of fake identity cards and the FIA’s arrests in such cases are not new in Pakistan. Unfortunately, producing counterfeit documents and engaging in fraudulent practices have become relatively easy in our country. Similarly, obtaining government jobs through fake or fraudulent documents is not always difficult for those who have money and connections. Dishonest people exist in every department, although there are also many sincere and honest officials.
In the current case, the FIA’s action should not be limited to those who obtained fake identity cards. Those who manufactured the cards or facilitated the illegal process must also be arrested. If any government official or other individual is found involved, they should be prosecuted, removed from service where legally warranted, and punished strictly in accordance with the law.
At the same time, the Government of Pakistan must not overlook the problems faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Alongside the Afghan refugee issue, local residents are struggling with inflation, unemployment, inadequate healthcare and education facilities, and insecurity.
In some areas, population growth resulting from the presence of Afghan refugees has placed additional pressure on housing, employment, and other essential services. However, the solution is not to promote hatred against Afghans. Instead, the government should identify the specific challenges facing different areas and take practical measures to address them.
The federal government should work with the provincial government and relevant institutions to resolve public grievances. Providing Pakistani citizens with employment, education, healthcare, and other basic facilities is the government’s responsibility. At the same time, clear rules should be established for Afghan nationals who possess valid legal documents, including regulations concerning their residence and other related matters.
Pakistan has the right to take action against people residing illegally in the country in accordance with its laws. However, the process of returning Afghan refugees should be conducted in a manner that does not subject innocent people to unnecessary hardship.
A closer look at the situation reveals that hundreds of thousands of Afghans have spent a major part of their lives in Pakistan. Many have never even seen Afghanistan. They were born here, received their education here, got married here, and raised their children here. How will such people manage their lives when they return to Afghanistan? How will they find accommodation, education, and employment?
Some may even consider me guilty of raising these questions, asking why I am discussing such matters. But the sun cannot be hidden by pointing a finger at it.
It is also a fact that Pakistan is facing serious difficulties because of the terrorist activities of certain Afghan nationals. Pakistan has every right to send Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan in accordance with its laws. However, the situation in Afghanistan remains difficult. If hundreds of thousands of Afghans return, arrangements for their accommodation, education, and employment will also be necessary.
Although this is primarily the responsibility of the Afghan government, discussions should be held with the relevant Afghan authorities and international organizations to develop a practical and sustainable solution.
Afghans who spend day and night spreading hatred against Pakistan on social media should stop fueling hostility and instead focus on addressing the housing and employment problems of poor Afghan families. We also urge the Afghan government to improve its relations with Pakistan. The entire burden of the Afghan refugee issue should not be placed solely on Pakistan and its people. International organizations must also fulfill their responsibilities.
At this stage, it is also necessary to ask the Government of Pakistan and the relevant institutions a few important questions:
– What system is in place to distinguish between people residing legally and illegally in Pakistan?
– What measures are being taken to prevent the manufacture of fake identity cards and passports?
– What action will be taken against government officials found involved in the illegal issuance of identity cards?
– What practical plan does the government have to provide the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with employment, education, healthcare, and security?
– Will people be given a fair opportunity to present their legal documents and file complaints when necessary?
The law must be enforced equally for everyone. No influential individual should be allowed to escape accountability because of money, personal connections, or official position.
The Afghan refugee issue cannot be resolved in a single day. Pakistan must protect its security, borders, and laws, but it must also uphold human dignity, compassion, and justice.
People residing illegally in Pakistan, those manufacturing fake documents, and individuals involved in criminal activities should be dealt with according to the law. At the same time, Afghan nationals possessing valid legal documents should be treated with humanity and appropriate consideration.
The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa want peace, employment, education, and better healthcare facilities. Afghan families, too, seek peace and a dignified life. It is the government’s responsibility to consider the rights and concerns of both sides.
Pakistan and Afghanistan must show compassion towards their own people, restore bilateral trade, and once again extend the hand of friendship and brotherhood to each other. The people of both countries are Muslims, share deep cultural and historical bonds, and have family and social ties across the border.
Hatred and hostility serve neither country’s interests. Mutual cooperation, respect, and dialogue are the way forward for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Balance my criticism of Afghan voices Remove unsupported factual claims
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