SUMMARY of the article “Issue of refugees,” by Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, published on November 19, 2023

The article delves into the complex issue of the forced return of hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghan refugees from Pakistan. While acknowledging the principle of not allowing illegal foreign nationals to stay, the author emphasizes the need to address the growing public perception that ties this expulsion to Pakistan’s response to the Taliban government’s non-cooperation on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issue. The article suggests engaging with Kabul to create economic pull factors for returning refugees and underscores the intertwined ideologies of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban. It advocates a two-pronged approach, urging political efforts to persuade Kabul against TTP activities and recognizing the kinetic fight against the TTP as one Pakistan must handle independently. The piece questions why Afghans may not express gratitude for Pakistan’s past assistance and proposes diplomatic engagement with the Taliban for candid » Read More…