SUMMARY of the Article “Refugee Problem,” Dawn, August 30th, 2024
The Pakistani authorities are preparing for the second phase of their efforts to repatriate Afghan refugees, with around half a million already sent back since November of the previous year. The Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, urged the UN and the international community to assist in rehabilitating those displaced. The minister also highlighted concerns over the Afghan regime’s failure to prevent the TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) from using Afghan territory to launch attacks on Pakistan, indicating that the repatriation drive may be more about responding to Kabul’s policies than purely addressing illegal immigration. The article notes a rise in xenophobia in Pakistan, not only against Afghans but also against indigenous ethnic communities, fueled by narratives questioning their loyalties. Unfortunately, instead of countering these dangerous trends, policymakers seem to endorse them, particularly regarding Afghan refugees. While Pakistan is dealing with economic constraints and security challenges, and it is indeed challenging for the country to continue supporting nearly two million Afghan refugees, the article argues that the international community, especially nations involved in the Afghan war, should share this burden. These countries should expedite the relocation of refugees they promised to take in. Simultaneously, Pakistan should approach the situation with greater patience and empathy. Many Afghan refugees have lived in Pakistan for years and know little about their homeland. Hastily deporting them would be culturally » Read More…