CM Gandapur
Weeks after the federal government directed “illegal foreigners” and Afghan Citizen Card holders residing in Pakistan to leave before March 31, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly criticized the Centre’s policy, arguing that Afghan refugees should not be expelled forcefully.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Sunday, CM Gandapur termed the federal government’s approach towards Afghan refugees as flawed. He asserted that the policies adopted in the past violated human rights, highlighting the need for a more humane and pragmatic approach.
Over the years, Islamabad has frequently attributed security issues, including militant attacks and crimes, to Afghan refugees, who constitute the largest portion of migrants in Pakistan. The country initiated a repatriation drive in 2023, primarily targeting undocumented foreigners.
According to the United Nations, more than 800,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan since the campaign began. Currently, Pakistan is home to approximately 2.8 million Afghan refugees, including 2.1 million documented individuals and hundreds of thousands of undocumented nationals who have lived in the country for decades.
During his press talk, CM Gandapur emphasized that Afghan refugees who wish to obtain Pakistani nationality should be granted citizenship. He firmly opposed the expulsion of those who have no criminal record and are legally compliant, stating that they should be allowed to continue residing in Pakistan.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hosts the largest Afghan refugee population in the country, with Peshawar accommodating the highest number. Thousands of Afghan refugees have established businesses in the city, while many others have been employed in various sectors for decades. They have settled in urban, suburban, and rural areas, coexisting with the local population.
Discussing the security situation, the KP chief minister questioned the rising wave of terrorism, contending that the law-and-order situation was far better during the tenure of PTI founder Imran Khan.
He blamed the federal government’s negligence, arguing that the state’s preoccupation with political crackdowns had diverted its attention from its core responsibilities, leading to an increase in terrorist activities.
Gandapur also underscored the need for diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan to address cross-border terrorism. He expressed frustration over the federal government’s failure to approve the terms of reference (ToRs) submitted by his administration for negotiations with Afghan authorities, despite two months having passed.
Moreover, the chief minister lauded the efforts of the provincial police in countering terrorism but lamented the lack of resources. He pointed out that the police force had not received new weapons in the last decade, significantly hampering their operational capabilities.
He further asserted that once KP receives its rightful share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, his government would increase police salaries and allocate funds for other essential projects.
Issuing a stern warning, Gandapur stated that if KP’s due share under the NFC Award is not allocated, the provincial government could resort to protests. He urged the federal authorities to engage in meaningful discussions with the province to resolve financial disputes, suggesting that if the Centre is facing financial constraints, it should collaborate with KP to find a viable solution.
