Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared on Friday that Pakistan can no longer sustain the indefinite hosting of Afghan refugees, instructing authorities to ensure their prompt repatriation. The directive comes amid heightened border tensions with Afghanistan and a surge in terrorist attacks.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad concerning the repatriation process, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to regional peace but lamented the heavy price the country has paid due to decades of instability in Afghanistan.
The meeting was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, a representative of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, and senior officials from federal and provincial governments.
“Pakistan has endured thousands of casualties and billions in economic damages during the war against terrorism,” PM Shehbaz stated, voicing serious apprehension over recent cross-border assaults originating from Afghan territory.
The Prime Minister noted that despite persistent diplomatic efforts, which included multiple visits to Kabul by the deputy prime minister and the defence minister, the Afghan authorities have been unable to stop their soil from being used for launching attacks against Pakistan.
He paid tribute to the country’s armed forces for successfully repelling recent attacks from Afghanistan, commending the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir and the military’s professional competence in safeguarding the nation.
PM Shehbaz added that the people of Pakistan, who have made sacrifices in the war on terror, are now questioning when the government will end the burden of hosting Afghan refugees.
During the briefing, officials reported that the phased repatriation of Afghan nationals is already underway, with 1,477,592 individuals having returned to Afghanistan as of October 16.
Authorities confirmed that no further extensions would be granted, and only those in possession of valid Pakistani visas would be allowed to remain. The meeting was informed that the number of exit points is being increased to expedite the repatriation process.
It was emphasized that providing shelter to undocumented Afghans or accommodating them in guesthouses constitutes a punishable offence.
Concurrently, PM Shehbaz issued directives to ensure that elderly individuals, women, children, and minorities are treated with respect and dignity throughout the repatriation process. He also called for engaging the public as partners to ensure compliance with the government’s policy.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the cooperation of provincial governments and lauded their support in implementing the federal policy on refugee repatriation.
The forum concluded with a decision to strictly implement all presented recommendations. PM Shehbaz urged all provincial governments to extend their full support to the federal government to ensure the dignified and timely return of Afghan refugees.
