Pakistan’s Defense Minister Calls for the Return of Afghan Refugees
Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, has once again called for the return of Afghan refugees from the country. He stated that the presence of these migrants must come to an end and their return should be conducted through a legal and coordinated process.
On Sunday, October 12, Asif emphasized in an interview with Geo News that border management between Afghanistan and Pakistan must be orderly and transparent, like other countries with sovereign control. He asserted that Pakistan’s borders should not remain unmonitored and that entry into Pakistani territory must follow an official immigration system.
The defense minister criticized the unrestricted movement in border areas and warned that individuals should not be able to cross without permission whenever they wish. He remarked sarcastically, “It’s not like you wake up in the morning, want to have breakfast, and cross the border into Peshawar without permission.”
Asif stressed that immigration policies must be defined and implemented at the national level, with local and municipal authorities coordinating accordingly through centralized programs.
In recent months, pressure from the Pakistani government on Afghan refugees has increased, launching a widespread campaign for their deportation. Although the majority of Afghan refugees fled due to insecurity, extreme poverty, and the ongoing crisis under Taliban rule, the Pakistani government has demanded their return to Afghanistan without considering these circumstances. This decision has sparked widespread concern nationally and internationally.
