Global

Pakistan Orders Unauthorised Afghan Asylum Seekers To Leave Amidst Rising Border Tensions

The Pakistani government has issued a directive mandating approximately 1.7 million unauthorised Afghan asylum seekers to leave the country by the end of November. This move comes as Pakistan grapples with escalating tensions exacerbated by a surge in militant attacks along the shared border with Afghanistan. The Pakistani authorities have accused Afghanistan-based operatives of orchestrating these attacks, allegations that have been vehemently denied by the Taliban regime.

The recent tragic incident at a mosque in Mastung city, near the Afghan border, claimed the lives of at least 50 people during a religious celebration. However, the government did not explicitly reference this incident in their announcement.

Pakistan has a history of absorbing Afghan refugees, especially since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. According to the United Nations, approximately 1.3 million Afghans are registered as refugees, and an additional 880,000 have acquired legal status to remain in Pakistan. However, the government has identified 1.7 million individuals in the country as being “illegally” present, referring to those who have not yet attained refugee status.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, declared that these individuals must leave the country by the end of the month, either voluntarily or through forced deportation. He stated that law enforcement agencies would be mobilised if they failed to comply, although specific details about the operation were not provided. Additionally, a task force has been established to identify and seize private businesses and assets belonging to unauthorised Afghan residents.

In response, Afghan officials in Pakistan reported that local authorities have already begun detaining Afghans, both those with legal status and those without. Pakistan’s Balochistan province, situated near the border, has frequently experienced attacks from armed groups such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State militant group.

Minister Bugti cited 24 suicide bombings along Pakistan’s border since January, blaming more than half of these incidents on militants operating from Afghanistan. Consequently, Pakistan announced stricter restrictions on Afghans entering the country starting from November 1, permitting only individuals with visas and passports to cross the border. Previously, Afghans used their national identity cards for travel, leading to a backlog of applications for entry documents. Obtaining visas and passports has become a protracted process, hindering the movement of Afghan nationals into Pakistan.

This directive has raised concerns among humanitarian organisations, as international law upholds the right to seek refuge in foreign countries. The situation is evolving rapidly, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in the region.

Kiki Garba.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

View Comments

  • ((09156089111))
    (+234_915_608_9111)
    Some Auction Vehicles/Cars For Sale
    Mama Africa #17,000 •Tomatoes Rice # *15,000* •Cap Rice #15,000 •My Food #17,000 •Mama Gold #17,500 •Ade Brazil #15,000 •Elephant Gold #15,000 •Royal Umbrella #15,000 Etc.
    Golf3= 400,000
    Camry Tinny-Light=550,000
    Tundra 1,300,000
    Toyota Exterra=850,000
    Toyota Camry big daddy=700,000
    Toyota Venza= 1.7million
    Toyota Avalon=850,000
    Toyota Rav4=950,000
    Toyota Prado=1.3million
    TOYOTA HILUX=2million
    Toyota Sienna=850,000
    TOYOTA 4-RUNNER=950,000
    Toyota Corolla=650,000
    Toyota Matrix= 700,000
    Toyota Highlander=950,000
    Toyota Picnic=500,000
    Tacoma 1.850,000
    Toyota Hiace Bus=950,000
    Toyota Tundra=1.5million
    Toyota Sequola=900,000
    BMW 5-series=1.960,000
    BMW 3-series=1.640,000
    BMW X6=2.670,000
    Ford Edge=700,000
    Ford Escape=600,000
    Honda Elantra=600,000
    Honda Baby-Boy=700,000
    Dyna Truck 900k
    TIPPER Head 6mill
    ((09156089111 (+234_915_608_9111)
    Honda Accord=550,000
    Honda CRV=650,000
    HONDA CIVIC=500,000
    HONDA EVIL-SPIRIT=750,000
    HONDA ODYSSEY=500,000
    Honda Pilot=850,000
    Nissan pathfinder=800,000
    Nissan Amanda=750,000
    Infinity=950,000
    Benz C250=N1.300,000
    Benz C300=1.6MILLION
    Benz ML350=2 million
    Benz ML300=1.5 million
    Benz ML550=2.6million
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class ₦1.3Million
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class ₦1.8Million
    Mercedes-Benz GLK ₦3.Million
    Es330 1.6
    Lexus C5 350=950,000
    IS250 1m
    Lexus Rx300=1.2 million
    Lexus Rx330=1.5 million
    Is350 2
    Lexus Rx350= 2 million
    ES350 2mill
    Land Rover Discovery ₦3.2Million
    Land Rover Freelander ₦3.6Million
    Land Range Rover Sport ₦4Million
    Range Rover evogue 3.0m
    Acura MDX ₦1.8Million
    Pequot 206=500,000
    Pequot 406=550,000
    Pequot 607=650,000
    .....
    ((09156089111) (+234_915_608_9111)

Recent Posts

Rights Activists Demand Release of Iranian Woman Detained For Undressing In Defiance Of Hijab Laws At University

Human Rights activists have renewed calls for Iran to release a woman who undressed in…

7 mins ago

93 Zamfara State Students Stranded in Cyprus, Government Alleges Negligence by Matawalle’s Administration

Zamfara government has blamed Matawalle's administration for the plight of the 93 students stranded in…

12 mins ago

Government Moves To Terminate Julius Berger’s N740bn Abuja-Kano Contract Over Non-Compliance

The federal government has issued a 14-day termination notice to Julius Berger over non-compliance on…

31 mins ago

NHIA, States Move to Maximise $669m Global Fund Support for Health Insurance

The NHIA, with Global Fund’s $669 million support, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s health insurance against…

38 mins ago

Nigeria’s Ship Will Not Sink, Tinubu Assures As Seven New Ministers Join Cabinet

Tinubu has urged the new ministers to stay focused and resilient, affirming his administration’s resolve…

39 mins ago

Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Enhanced Nigeria-UK Relations in Trade, Security, Cultural Exchange

Tinubu has pledged Nigeria’s commitment to a strengthened UK partnership, emphasising trade, security, and cultural…

49 mins ago